How do I know if the Locksmith is local?
Where ever possible I try to use local businesses, whether it is a cup of coffee or a local hardware distributor. My sign writing on my van and my embroidered work gear is all done by local companies.
Because I run a small business myself I understand the pros and cons of being independent and generally from my local suppliers I received a higher level of service and in many cases I receive a better value for money. You generally find that local businesses are more flexible.
The Locksmith industry is quite unique in that there are National Companies who portray themselves as local but are in fact call centres who sub-contract out to local locksmiths taking a large percentage of the invoice. There are franchise companies and for full disclosure, I was part of one, whos franchisees are local but have the support of a brand. It is important to know just what you are paying for.
I try and keep my advertising costs as low as possible so I can pass the savings on to the customer. I tend to rely on local non-internet magazines, word of mouth and organic search engine results as opposed to paid adverts. Nationals tend to use expensive forms of advertising such as expensive pay per click adverts which appear at the top of the page on the search engine results, these need to be paid for!!
Confusing, right? In this blog I have highlighted the difference and what to look for and explain why it’s important to keep it local.
Contact
An independent will answer the call and be ready to answer any questions you have straight away. You will have a direct line to the locksmith either by mobile and direct email.
The National Company will be call centre who has to confirm with the subcontractor about availability and then ring you back, sometimes leaving you in limbo.
Availability and Locations
Depending on whether you are in a major city or in the country, most local locksmiths cover about 20 miles or 30 to 40 minutes from where they are based. It does not mean I will never travel outside my area, I have several customers who ask me to travel sometimes up to an hour from my home. Generally, if it’s not an emergency I will make an appointment or customer’s will ‘book me in’. I have a link on my website so customers can ‘make a booking’ without making a call.
Company Name and Website
You can sometimes know if a locksmith is local by his or her company name and looking on the website. My name is Mike Salt, my company is MTS Locksmiths, there is a prize if anyone can guess my middle name! If you look on my website you will see a picture of me and my van. This is what will turn up at your home or property. This adds reassurance, especially to the elderly, I was once booked in by a lady for her elderly mum and she had a picture of me taken from my website so she knew who was turning up.
National Companies will use a general random photo of an engineer and you don’t know unless you ask who is turning up. The website is very general and it won’t take into account regional fads etc.
Advertising
As I mentioned earlier the nationals tend you use more expensive forms of advertising such as pay per click google adverts. These paid adverts for locksmiths can cost the company £15+ per click. These costs are passed on to the customer with a higher hourly rate.
TIP: If you are looking for an independent locksmith don’t look at the first advert you see on google, scroll down and look at natural listing websites. You will have more choice and more local information.
Pricing
When you actually speak to locksmith rather than a call centre you should receive a more accurate quote and knowledge of what is required. Independents do not charge a call out and have a fixed labour rate for the job. If a locksmith does not charge VAT then they are probably a local independent and they should be slightly cheaper. Most local locksmiths charge a fair competitive price for the labour and parts.
Tip: Make sure you ask about rates and VAT, some companies won’t mention VAT and when you received the bill there is an extra 20% added to the bill. If you are quoted £75 plus VAT, that’s £90 you pay. If you are quoted £80 with no VAT, thats £80, even thou you think you are going for the cheaper quote.
After Care
Because you have a direct link to the locksmith any problems you can just contact him or her direct.