Ok, we promise this isn’t a sales plea but more of a “let’s save our customers from being robbed, having a half-hearted job done, with a middleman who organises the chaos.”
No matter what trade you’re looking for and who you might want to hire, knowing who you’re working with is always important.
For example, have you heard of the company before? Do you have personal contact and someone you can call if things aren’t right? What about their reputation, experience, and past customers? How quickly can they reach you and where are they coming from?
What’s more, sometimes, even if you are given a local number, it still doesn’t mean that the company in question are local. Numbers can be bought and redirected so it’s essential to do your research before you get started.
As a local locksmith in Middlesbrough, we pride ourselves on serving our local community and providing solutions for broken or damaged locks, emergency call-outs, cars, safes and more.
However, we have recently worked with more customers who have spoken to us about their bad experiences of using a national locksmith.
The problem with using a national locksmith
The most significant and shocking information we can tell you is that most national locksmiths don’t hire locksmiths! They’re only the middlemen.
What happens is that they will advertise for locksmiths within local areas, for example in Redcar and Cleveland or Hartlepool. Then they’ll subcontract the work out to any local locksmith who comes forward. In turn, these locksmiths will be paid a portion of the cost you will charge.
The second and maybe a little controversial point about national locksmiths is that we tend to find only locksmiths who are struggling for work to be the ones who would work for a national locksmith.
You then have to ask the question, why are they struggling? Do they have enough training and knowledge to complete the job at hand? What are the standards of their work or customer reviews like?
Reputable local locksmiths will have built up a portfolio of clients over the years. They will have contracts with their regular customers and a base for repeat business.
Finally, morally, any local locksmith worth his weight in gold wouldn’t work for a national company knowing the prices they charge customers. Usually, we find this to be triple the price of what a local locksmith would charge!
Don’t buy into the hype.
Training and requirements
Most locksmiths come with years of experience! I know the team at Tyne Tees Locks does! As well as the training involved, this experience also teaches you about the different locks, solutions and even tricks of the trade. Not every “I’m locked out, please help” call is the same; an experienced and knowledgeable locksmith will know this.
National locksmiths can often entice “newbie locksmiths” into the sector with a three-day intensive training course. Great for those that want to learn a new skill, but can you learn everything there is to learn about locksmithing in just three days?
Things such as picking locks, UPVC door repairs which are much more common now, vehicle entry systems and knowing that not everyone has a key, new lock installations, door entry systems and more – we might be being a little naive to think all of this and more can be covered in just three days.
Benefits of using a local locksmith
It cuts out the middleman – so it automatically saves you money. But local locksmiths also save you money as we charge fair and reasonable prices for work carried out, we have much smaller overheads, so these cost savings are passed on to our customers.
Local locksmiths can be more available. Whether it be Guisborough or Stockton on Tees, a local locksmith knows the area, knows how long it will take to reach you, and is much more flexible in the timescales on offer.
Local companies are much more concerned about customer satisfaction. We want repeat customers, build up an excellent reputation, and offer a service that exceeds our customer’s expectations. National companies want the job done, and more often than not you don’t hear from them again – especially if you have any concerns or complaints!
If you’re looking for a higher standard of work regarding the security of your home or business premises, look for a local locksmith who can help you with all your locksmithing needs.
How to distinguish between a local and a national locksmith
- Listen out for a local accent
- Do they have original online reviews and what do they say?
- Are they asking for money upfront?
- Ask them how much the locksmith job will cost – are they vague in their reply?
- Are their prices competitive? Check online to see what the average is in your area.
Don’t let national locksmith companies tempt you with low-price offers and deals.
Check the fine print as all these prices might be low on labour charges, and you’ll soon find out that they can often “sting” you on the parts!
Local locksmiths offer an entirely different level of service
At Tyne Tees Locks we operate throughout Middlesbrough helping customers with broken locks, replacement locks, car locks and everything in between. Our vans are all sign written, all our staff wear an appropriate uniform, and we are all DBS checked and vetted.
If you need a local locksmith with over 20 years of experience working with customers throughout the North East, call us today on 01642 450 520.
