Help! I locked myself out:-(

[Varjeal]

$100 is indeed a bit steep for a job of this nature, unless of course, as others have mentioned the following apply:

1. Late night/early morning.
2. Holiday.
3. High crime area.
4. Long distance. (in which case they should have told you that there would be travel charge)

Before you call anyone out to service anything you should always ask for a verbal estimate over the phone. If you are satisfied with the rate, you should also ask for a quote on-site to make sure it doesn't change BEFORE work is done.

Unlike many 'smiths my own rates do not change unless #3 or #4 (or both) apply. I find this satisfies customers a lot more to know that I have set rates that don't change on my mood. That said, I've recently adjusted my rates for certain things (such as lockouts) so that I am no longer the cheapest, but I'm also not the most expensive either.

[Timmy321]

If there are any lock smiths that read this; while your picking a lock for someone do they just stand there and watch you? I probably couldn't do it because of the preasure...

[Romstar]

If there are any lock smiths that read this; while your picking a lock for someone do they just stand there and watch you? I probably couldn't do it because of the preasure...

Yeah, unfortunately that is mostly what happens. People are curious, and I can understand that. Sometimes it's annoying, but most of the time I just don't consider them to be there.

I try to do the zen thing on the lock. You are the lock, the lock is you. Zone out, feel the tools and the lock, and get the thing open.
If that doesn't work, get out the pick gun. I'm being paid to let them in, not sharpen my skills. Practice should be done on my own time.

Romstar