Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Locksmith

Locksmithing in Victoria has significant legislation and scrutiny around it, and for good reason. Bad actors have done their best to give our industry a bad name.

99.9% of us are hard-working, decent people, and we just want to do right by our customers and get you back into your home or business. No one likes being locked out or feeling unsafe, and we’re there to help you.

In line with that, we like to keep Victorians aware of what they should look out for to ensure the safety of their home, business, family, and colleagues when they hire a locksmith (especially if it’s not us!).

Here’s our top 5 mistakes to avoid when hiring a locksmith:

1. Not checking for appropriate licensing and certification

In Victoria, locksmiths don’t need a security license, but in order to qualify as a fully-trainer locksmith, they will need to have completed at least 4 years of an apprenticeship and receive a qualification such as Certificate III in Locksmithing. They’ll also need to seek accreditation from the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). This would require them to undergo police checks, ensure they’re fully qualified, meet insurance and licensing requirements, adhere to the Code of Ethics, take a competency test and more.

It’s a certification we recommend you check for, before the locksmith completes their service on your property. 

2. Failing to get a clear price estimate up front

Scour Reddit, you can find plenty of posts of people complaining that a call-out locksmith charged them a fortune, and they had no choice but to pay up. Always ask for a price estimate (in writing) beforehand. 

3. Ignoring Customer Reviews and Reputation

Do your due diligence and check for reviews. 

4. Hiring a locksmith without verifying insurance coverage

As above, if the locksmith is certified through MLA, this may be unnecessary. However, it’s always good to check. 

5. Choosing solely based on price

If it looks and sounds too good, then it is. We have a helpful page here on how much a locksmith in Melbourne should cost. So, you’ll have a rough idea. 

If you’re locked out of your home or business or need an emergency locksmith contact our Melbourne locksmith, who can help!