I called the locksmith around 6.30pm and told the man I needed help to open my lock. Gave my address and cell#. He said a lady would come by in 30 mins. Asked for an estimate, 49.99 X depending on how many locks, said the lady will tell me when she got home. 25 mins later a lady who barely spoke English called asking for my address. 15 mins later I called the man, he said he couldnt find the address on his GPS, gave address again; he assured me she would show up shortly. I asked if I should call another service, he said hed be there in 15 mins. I told him it was getting cold outside. Around 7.30 he showed up with his son. He looks at the lock saying it couldnt be opened using regular tools, his son got a broken plastic sheet from his car and slid it in between the door and it opened, in less than 5 seconds. His son asked to use my bathroom, which I let him use. The man said $100, ($50 service charge, $50 to open) if you pay cash, I wont charge you tax.
As to why it was $100, he said he charges $125 but $100 since he was late. He wouldnt accept credit cards, only cash and checks, his yellow pages ad stated otherwise. I told him I didnt have cash and wasnt comfortable paying by check. My partner called, asked if he could send an invoice, but he said no. He yelled at me saying if I didnt pay he will close the door and leave. I told him I would report him since something didnt sound right; then his story changed, his credit card terminal broke 2 days back, couldnt be fixed until next week, had this business for 20 years, his business truck (he came in a personal car) broke down before they got to my house. His other option was that I drive to an ATM, take the money and pay. I ended up paying with a check and got an invoice. Paid $107 (incl tax). The man went outside as the son wrote the invoice, he apologized for the way his dad behaved. I feel the man misrepresented himself, was late, wouldnt accept credit cards, wanted cash without an invoice, and over charged me for the work. I have filed a complaint with BBB. I couldn't find any information about this company on the web. I want to ensure others can find them and stay away from them.
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