TL;DR
- Verify the business name, license, and contact information before dispatch.
- A real quote should describe the work, not just the starting number.
- Ask before drilling or replacing hardware.
- Keep the invoice and technician details for your records.
What bait pricing looks like
Bait pricing usually starts with a very low number and a vague description. Once the technician arrives, the price changes because the original quote did not include dispatch, labor, parts, or the real condition of the lock.
A legitimate change can happen if the lock was described incorrectly. The problem is not a revised estimate by itself. The problem is a revised estimate that arrives only after pressure is already on the customer.
How to verify who you are hiring
Ask for the full business name, license information, and callback number. Then compare those details with the website, vehicle, invoice, and public resources. If the identity keeps shifting, treat that as a warning sign.
A licensed company can still make mistakes, but a verified identity is much easier to hold accountable than a phone number with no traceable business behind it.
Questions to ask before anyone drives over
| Question | Why ask it |
|---|---|
| What is included in the price? | You need to know whether dispatch, labor, and parts are covered. |
| What could change the estimate? | You should understand the conditions that trigger a higher total. |
| Will you call before drilling? | Destructive work should not happen without clear approval. |
| What name will be on the invoice? | The paperwork should match the company you hired. |
If the answers are evasive, that is more informative than the price itself.
What should happen when the technician arrives
- 1Verify authorization
A professional should confirm that you are allowed to request the work.
- 2Inspect the problem
The technician should look at the lock before changing the estimate or method.
- 3Explain the plan
You should hear what will be done, why it is needed, and whether anything will be replaced.
- 4Get approval
No new work should start until you agree to the updated scope.
What to keep after the job
Save the invoice, note the technician’s name, and keep a record of the business identity, price, and work performed. If a complaint ever becomes necessary, that documentation matters.
If you ever feel pressured, walk away and make a second call. A trustworthy company will not need coercion to earn the job.
Named sources
Frequently asked questions
Is the cheapest quote always a scam?
No. But a quote that does not clearly define the job is incomplete and should not be compared as if it were final.
Should a locksmith always drill the lock?
No. Drilling may be appropriate in some cases, but it should not be the automatic first step.