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When something goes wrong with your locks, you need to be able to trust your locksmith to help you fix the issue quickly and fairly. Unfortunately, not all locksmiths operate with integrity.

Some locksmiths will charge an over-the-top fee for their services, even if it’s a simple job. Others will take advantage of people who are in a hurry or don’t know much about locks.

At King Door and Lock, we believe that everyone deserves quality service at a fair price. We never charge an over-the-top fee, and we always work to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

If you’ve ever been charged an outrageous fee by a locksmith, you’re not alone. It’s quite common. But don’t worry, there are ways to avoid being overcharged, and we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll discuss the typical fees charged by locksmiths, how to avoid being overcharged, and what to do if you think you’ve been a victim of price gouging.

So, let’s get started!

The average cost of locksmith service is between $75 and $150. However, there are a few factors that can affect the price, such as the type of service needed, the time of day, and the location.

 

For example, if you need an emergency locksmith in the middle of the night, you can expect to pay a higher rate than if you were to call during normal business hours. Additionally, if you live in a rural area, you may have to pay a bit more due to travel costs.

There are three main types of locksmith services: residential, commercial, and automotive. The prices for each type of service vary depending on the complexity of the job.

Residential locksmith services typically start at around $75 and can go up to $200. The most common services include re-keying, lock installation, and lock repair.

Commercial locksmith services usually start at around $100 and can go up to $250. The most common services include lock re-keying, lock installation, and door repair.

Automotive locksmith services typically start at around $60 and can go up to $150. The most common services include lockout assistance, key extraction, and ignition repair.

 

What is a locksmith fee overcharge?

Locksmith fee overcharge occurs when a locksmith charges an excessive amount of money for their services. This can happen in several ways, but the most common is when a locksmith quotes a price that is much higher than the average price for the same service.

Some locksmiths will also add on hidden fees or try to upsell you on services that you don’t need. For example, they may tell you that your lock needs to be completely replaced when only a simple repair is needed. Or, they may say that you need a new key made when all you need is a duplicate key.

It’s important to remember that locksmiths are businesses and they need to make a profit. But, there is a big difference between making a fair profit and taking advantage of people in a difficult situation.

 

How to avoid locksmith fee overcharge?

Do your research: The best way to avoid locksmith fee overcharge is to be prepared before you need a locksmith’s services. This means research locksmiths in your area ahead of time and finds one that you can trust.

Read online reviews: When you’re looking for a locksmith, make sure to read reviews online and see what other people have said about their experience. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the locksmith.

Ask for recommendations: It’s also a good idea to ask family and friends for recommendations. If someone you know has had a good experience with a locksmith, they’ll be able to tell you about it.

Save the number: Once you’ve found a reputable locksmith, save their contact information on your phone so you have it on hand when you need it. This will help you avoid choosing a locksmith based on convenience instead of quality.

Get multiple quotes: Once you have an idea of what the average cost is, get multiple quotes from different locksmiths to compare prices.

Ask for a breakdown of the charges: When you receive a quote from a locksmith, be sure to ask for a breakdown of all the charges. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and can spot any potential red flags.

Pay with a credit card: If possible, pay with a credit card instead of cash. This way, you can dispute any fraudulent charges.

Check for hidden fees: Be sure to ask about any hidden fees, such as a service call fee or after-hours surcharge.

Inquire about discounts: Many locksmith companies offer discounts for seniors, AAA members, and more. Be sure to ask about any discounts that may apply to you.

Negotiate: If you think the fee is too high, try negotiating with the locksmith. Remember that they are likely willing to work with you since their goal is to get paid.

 

What to do if you’ve been overcharged by a locksmith?

If you’ve been overcharged by a locksmith, there are a few things you can do to try and resolve the issue.

1. Firstly, try contacting the locksmith company directly and explain the situation. They may be willing to refund you part or all of the charge.

2. If the locksmith company is unwilling to refund you, you can file a complaint with your local consumer protection agency.

3. You can also report the incident to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB will investigate the complaint and try to resolve it between you and the locksmith company.

4. Finally, you can take legal action against the locksmith company by filing a lawsuit in small claims court. This is usually a last resort, as it can be time-consuming and expensive.

 

How does King Door and Lock help you?

If you’re looking for a locksmith in the Maryland or Washington, D.C. area, King Door and Lock is here to help. We’re a locally owned and operated business with over 20 years of experience, so we know how to get the job done right.

We understand that when you need a locksmith, it’s usually because you’re in a bind and need help fast. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency service so that we can be there when you need us most. We’ll even give you a free estimate over the phone so that you know exactly what you’re getting into before we get started.

Once we arrive on the scene, our experienced technicians will assess the situation and let you know what needs to be done. We’ll never try to upsell you on services you don’t need or overcharge you for our work. We’re honest and upfront with all of our pricing so that you can make the best decision for your situation.

If you need a locksmith, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always here to help and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

Are you tired of being overcharged by locksmiths?

King Door and Lock are here to help. We are a locksmith company that specializes in avoiding fee overcharges. We want to help you get the best service for the best price.

You deserve to get what you pay for. When you use King Door and Lock, you can be sure that you are getting the best service at the best price. We guarantee it.

 

Call us now at (800) 231-5499 MD, (301) 363-2264 DC, or visit our website kingdoorandlock.com!

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