"Locksmiths"

[kaelanh]

So, I went to Salt Lake City, UT this week, and needed a key duplicated that same day. I got a phone book and called several "locksmiths"(which had different phone numbers, different company names, and different "shop addresses"). 11 out of the 15 I called forwarded to the same Auto Attendant recording that simply said "Thank You for Calling the Locksmith, Press 1 for service". The other 3 were just mobile service. FINALLY, The last one I called was a legitimate locksmith (or so it seemed). I asked him his shop address and hours of operation, just to make sure. Later that day I visited said locksmith to get 3 duplicates of a standard double sided key. Everything went good, until he got to the cash register and charged me $16.95 PER KEY. That being said, I think I will stick to making my own keys with blanks that cost me about a quarter. I never realized how big of a deal this fake locksmith thing was. I mean that experience was just ridiculous.

[MBI]

That's unfortunate. We have some reputable locksmiths in the area, but like most places, the 1-800 scammers have infiltrated our yellow pages listings too.

Did he code-cut these keys, or were they duplicates? Would you mind sharing which locksmith you visted?

[jeffmoss26]

Wow...that is a ridiculous price for duplicating a key (assuming it was not done by code)

[Altashot]

I don't know or understand how this scam works but I hear it is also present in Canada. I heard strange stories from customer that were scammed when they found themselves lock out of their cars. One "so-called locksmith" even cut out the door lock of a Toyota with a jigsaw and then told the customer to go get their door welded. The "locksmith" charged them $330.00 for this hack job. I could have opened it for $70.00 without any damage...One of those scammer also tried to recruit me once. I immediately called the police. Although the police is already aware of these scammers, lack of evidence prevents them from taking actions. Hopefully the public will come forward and report these scams so that it can be stopped.

M.

[kaelanh]

Actually, I looked at my receipt again and the legitimate locksmith I finally found charged me $5.65 per key, but was rung up as one item costing 16, and I got 3 keys. The guy at that shop was very professional and knew what he was doing, so I don't really mind paying 5.65 for a key. I was just really surprised at how many 1-800 type listings there were!

[jeffmoss26]

That still seems high. What kind of key was it, you say double cut but was it a Chicago lock, Schlage double sided wafer, car key?

[2octops]

Wait a minute....you though you paid $16 for each key (about $50) but you just figured out you really only paid $16?

$5 per key is a fair shop price. The cheapest keys we cut are $3.50.

[lockjock50]

Wow, $3.50 for the cheapest key? People around here complain about $1.50 for a house key, $2.50 for a standard vehicle key.

[Capt_Tom]

Your pricing depends on your market. If one were to rely on the suggested retail in the ILCO book, a KW-1 would sell for $4.64. While there might be some straight down the line guys that price keys like that, the reality is that you have to adjust to the market. SC-1 and Kw-1 keys we cut for $.99. The majority of other keys are $3.00 and up. Some markets get extra for double sided keys. My point is do not gouge your customers... they will go elsewhere. BUT don't cheat yourself either.

[kaelanh]

Wait a minute....you though you paid $16 for each key (about $50) but you just figured out you really only paid $16?

$5 per key is a fair shop price. The cheapest keys we cut are $3.50.

Yes, I should have looked at it closer the first time. Please forgive my error I absolutely needed the key cut that day, so price was irrelevant. Where I live these keys cost about $2 each, but I know the market changes drastically in larger cities because of course there is more competition. Around here there are only two locksmiths for 3 cities. and sometimes these guys go out of state because they are the only ones who service safes in a large area.

That still seems high. What kind of key was it, you say double cut but was it a Chicago lock, Schlage double sided wafer, car key?

They were cut on a fort double sided key. Which is an understandable price as blanks cost about $1.75 in bulk.

[daniel22747]

I have heard and read some bad stories about real dubious lock smiths. I would recomend always paying in cash!