I placed a call for a locksmith to come and install a lockon the front door. The person answering the phone was hasty to get me off the phone and stepped around my questions telling me that a locksmith has to come by to inspect the "job". I agreed and he came.
When the locksmith arrived he blocked the exit from our company's driveway with his vehicle. When he was asked to move his car he grudgingly refused saying that “I'm in middle of a phone call” and told us “we will have to wait for him”. “Alright” we thought to ourselves.
When we showed him the door he quoted a remarkably high price of over $260 for the most basic lock from “Segal” company, from a quick research online my assistant found that the cylinder costs a mere $20. I told him the price was too high and that I wanted to shop around.
“You'll have to pay $40 for me coming to you” he told me. I explained to him that when I spoke to their company's contact he never mentioned this “fee” and that I refuse to pay it. He kept to his own and grew more irritant and impolite. I conceded to use his services if he would give me a fair price.
We settled on a price of $180 for a double cylinder lock and that a thumb turn would be more expensive. It would cost us $225. I admit I am no expert in locksmith industry pricing, however, I fail to comprehend how a thumb turn cost more than a cylinder, after all a cylinder has more moving parts….
The following were the problems we encountered
He asked us if we have any WD-40. Okay. Shouldn't a competent locksmith have this basic item?
After disassembling the lock he said he can't install the exterior cylinder and will replace the old lock (to which we don't have keys), He will install only the interior cylinder and reduce his price to $130.
Incompetent and expensive if I may say the least…
He sprayed the lock with WD-40 making sure to lubricate our door panel while in the processes, forgot to wipe it off and disposed of the WD-40 can by throwing it aside.
The headache continued: When it came to pay for the service, I starting writing a check to his company ELM Locksmith. He said he doesn't accept checks.
When I asked if he accepts credit cards, he said “sure” and pulled a credit card reader from his jacket pocket. I smartly refused to share my business credit card with him…
I then called the locksmith “office”. They were no more helpful about the entire ordeal and hung up on me!
In the end I sent a worker to the corner ATM and withdrew cash.
Throughout the whole situation, the locksmith grew impatient raised his voice using vulgar in his speech and conveyed a threatening and angry demeanor. Our office had myself and twofemale coworkers and honestly I was quite intimidated not knowing what he maydo to me if I tell him to leave.
This is a high-pressure sales tactic business, with intimidation techniques of language and physical threat, I recommend that action be taken against this shady business.
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