Locksmithing involves a very specialist set of technical skills and training, meaning that locksmiths tend to be in great demand and can earn a very good living by charging for their services. However, while it might seem an exclusive and closed industry, it is actually open to anyone with the right attitude and a willingness to learn.
This article looks at what it takes to become a successful locksmith, and looks at the types of people who choose this career path and what Schlüsseldienst Oberhausen their backgrounds are.
Many of the attributes that make a good locksmith are the same as those that stand any tradesman in good stead. These include a fondness for manual labour, the flexibility to work irregular hours and good time management skills.
However, there are also other more specific characteristics that are distinctly useful for locksmithing, for example a good mind for problem solving, and a high level of dexterity in the hands.
So what kind of person becomes a locksmith? The first thing to note is that individuals from certain backgrounds tend to be more suited to becoming locksmiths that those from other, less relevant fields. People leaving the military tend to be among the best suited to becoming locksmiths, as the confident manner and strong work ethic that army life breeds tends to serve people well in a dynamic and customer-orientated service like locksmithing.
Another demographic from which people often go on to become good locksmiths is ex-tradesmen and women. Builders, electricians and plumbers all have prior experience of working with their hands using tools, and working to strict time constraints. With builders in particular having been hit hard by the recent recession and economic downturn, many are now deciding to become locksmiths and take advantage of the steady income and less volatile market this industry offers. They often find locksmith work not dissimilar from their previous occupation, and are thus able to thrive in this new environment.
Despite the obvious advantages of coming to locksmithing from certain backgrounds, locksmiths can come from anywhere and any profession nowadays. While it has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, a lot more women are now starting to look at the locksmith profession as a genuinely rewarding and viable career path.
What people still don’t often realise about locksmithing is quite how accessible it is to newcomers. A complete week-long locksmith training course, covering all the necessary skills and knowledge to start in the industry, can cost as little as £2000. Contrast this with how much it now costs students to study an academic degree – somewhere in the region of £60,000, with often no guarantee of employment afterwards.
Looked at in these terms, the value for money offered by a locksmith course is very considerable indeed. There can be few other skilled jobs that you can jump right into after a week’s intensive training and start making money. If you have the right attitude and work ethic, there’s no reason why there couldn’t be a bright future as a locksmith awaiting you within easy reach.
5 Warning Signs to Spotting an Unreliable Locksmith
In an ideal world, you would just love to believe that every local locksmith company and program is reputable for all future emergencies. Driving home from work on the side of the road isn’t the best place for checking out different companies, reading up on customer reviews, and verifying ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) membership. However, if you’re locked out and have no choice but to resort to the yellow pages or internet listings, watch out for these 5 warning signs that you’re about to fall for a locksmith scam. Locksmith scams are common all over the country.
Warning Sign #1: No Company Name
The first dead giveaway is when they answer your call. There are so many different company names, the person answering your call may only say, “Locksmith”, without even saying the company name. Locksmiths that are fraudulent use many false business names, addresses, and phone numbers that all feed into one remote call center.
Warning Sign #2: Unusually Low Quotes
Suspiciously low price quotes over the phone or in an ad are the next indicator. It’s a classic bait and switch: a local locksmith company offers you what seems like a great quote so you agree to the service based on the price. When the locksmith actually comes out, though, the initial quote turns out to cover the service call only. The actual labor tacks on another $50-$100 (or even more if the locksmith sells you on unnecessary services) to you’re already climbing bill.
If you sense any evasiveness when you ask about pricing on the phone, trust your instincts and try another locksmith that offers firm quotes. Written quotes are even better. You could end up paying into $300 range just have your car door unlocked.
Warning Sign #3: Unmarked Cars
Locksmiths who show up in unmarked cars are the next indicator. An unmarked car is a major red flag because you could be dealing with a locksmith or Bob from down the road. Shady locksmith companies use remote call centers but hire local contractors who are not very good or confident at what they do, and likely uninsured. A technician that is inexperienced and naive can cause serious damage to your locks, doors, and windows.
A local locksmith company in your area that provides its technicians with tools, uniforms, and marked cars is a much better bet, not only because you’re likely to enjoy better service, but also because you can hold them and the company accountable if anything goes wrong.
Warning Sign #4: Talking Up The Price
Locksmiths who talk up the price before even starting to work on your lock are the lowest of the low in the business. Ask about pricing before they begin to work on your lock. If they’re already tacking on additional fees, you know you’re going to be biting off a lot more than you can afford to pay. Although you might be tempted to just go along with it, keep in mind that shady, inexperienced locksmiths can damage your locks and end up costing you even more money and time.
Remember:
It’s not too late to dismiss this locksmith and call another.
Warning Sign #5: Drilling Your Locks
Locksmiths who want to drill your lock are the final warning sign. While there can be cases in which your lock cannot be picked and must Schlüsseldienst Gelsenkirchenbe drilled, they are relatively rare. Legitimate locksmiths view drilling as the last resort in getting a lock open. If a locksmith works on your lock for only a few minutes before declaring that it needs drilling, he is lying to you.
Drilling a lock means you’ll have to pay for installing a brand new lock, on top of the initial charge. Get a second opinion instead could save you hundreds of dollars.