Locksmith attempt to secure return business

[Raymond]

I would like to hear what the general opinion is on this story. Personally I think it is B******T (toro-caca). It is not illegal but a very poor business practice.

I went on a call to change a safe combination and rekey several doors. When I got there I discovered that the safe lock was of the type that can only be changed with the assigned Master Code. A different locksmith installed the lock several months earlier and deliberately did not release the Master Code. The customer called the first locksmith and was told that the Master Code could not be released until at least one year because to release it would void the lock warranty. They would charge $200.00 just to come out and change the combo.

I suggested that the customer contact the first locksmith again and offer a release of warranty to that locksmith to obtain the Master Code. With his bill of sale for the original lock purchase, the lock could still be warrantied from the manufacturer if it chanced to fail. The locksmith can only offer a labor/service warranty as the manufacturer warrants the product.

Comments....

[GWiens2001]

Horse puckey! A warranty is to repair factory defects in materials and workmanship, not to keep the owner from changing their combination. It also puts that shop at risk if somebody gets into the safe, because they have the combination.

I would have the customer contact the manufacturer directly, and report the business practices, as well as file a complaint with the BBB.

Gordon