- 1). Go through your local phone book (or an online phone book like Whitepages.com) and find the business names and phone numbers of locksmiths in your area. Write down information for several different companies so you can have a few options from which to choose.
- 2). Research the locksmiths you selected with the Better Business Bureau. Type the name of each company into the "Business Search" and thoroughly review their files. You'll be able to see their overall grades as well as any customer complaints that have been filed and how those complaints have been handled. If you don't feel comfortable with a company after seeing its BBB information, there's no need to investigate it further.
- 3). Call the locksmiths who've passed your BBB screening and inquire about pricing before you actually need help getting into your home or car. Many locksmiths will charge extra for "emergency" service, so it's a good idea to get this information ahead of time. Also ask about their hours of operation; if you're locked out at 3 a.m. on a Sunday, you'll want to contact a company that will be able to help you right away.
- 4). File all the information you've learned and keep it someplace where you can get to it easily in case you need lockpick services. Given why you'd need to call--being locked out of your home or car--it's a good idea to stash it on a card in your wallet or in your phone. You may want to settle on one company, or save information from a couple that seem reputable, have competitive pricing, and offer all-hours coverage.
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