Locksmith Cost - Buyer Experiences and Price Information

Those who are upset that it took just a few minutes and were charged X amount of dollars, might stop to think what it took to get to the point that a locksmith can do it that quick. There is a huge amount of professional training and tool cost, not to mention vehicle cost. I hate scammers like you all do, but please.....We have to make a living and if we all charges $20 fpr any job, then there would be no locksmiths.

$35 to come out. $90 to pick the lock.
All things considered, this seems like a ridiculous amount of monies, but I was strapped on time and needed to get an animal that was locked in that room, out. Unfortunately we didn't have a key...we need to invest in new doorknobs with keys to the lock... :P

These 24 hour lock smith's are a real rip off. In situations like these you are frantic and they really take advantage of you. I feel like I wasted my money and they obviously overcharged me. How can they do this to people???????

Called for a quote to unlock bedroom lock, 2nd lock done by this company. Was quoted $14 to come out and $35 up depending on the lock. When the locksmith called realized same guy who came out before and didn't like his demeanor, and lack of professionalism. Called the dispatcher back and she said they hadn't been out here before. Guy comes to the door and it's the same one. He told us 185 to unlock the door for 5 minutes work after he handed me a receipt pad, (with no company name or any other info) and had me write my name and address. When I asked what costs $35 he said nothing. Then I said the woman dispatcher said 35 and up so something costs 35, then I asked again, "what costs 35?", again he said nothing. I said I'm not paying 185, he kept going down until he hit 100. Wanted cash or a credit card. I ended up saying no so he said 35 for the trip. I said no it's 14, he said 35 so I called the dispatcher, she said 14 so we gave him 14 and told him to leave. Horrible!

Took about 5 minutes said he didnt charge me an emergency (late night fee) so 65$ for car and then the rest for his service I see lot of people saying less alot saying more. The security guard for my place said that more than once the company charge 1000$ so im happy

They came in, said the service would be $160 because they had to drill. I said no, paid him the $15 "service" fee and sent him running.
He called his boss, lowered to $80! I said no. He lowered even more and said picking and bumping were a thing of Hollywood! I found a window in the basement and kicked my way in - much cheaper to replace. He still came back offering his tools, likely to charge me for it later.

Saturday, 07/26/14, 5 pm. I called Lockstmith. Technician came in 30 minutes. Drilled the lock out from outside, installed new hi security lock and charged me $540 in cash only!

Called 24/7 Arlington, Tx to get a broken key out of deadbolt. Tech didn't even try to get the key out, insisted I needed a new deadbolt. Wanted$50 for that but $129 for labor. I said no, thats too much. He argued with me. I paid $29.99 service call fee and sent him on his way. Had another co. Remove the key. Total cost w/labor $77. Still alot but at least I have my original lock still.

In my 1 bathroom apartment, it accidentally locked without us in it. The locksmith said it would be $19 + $35 service charge, but when he got here quoted me $245.
I said for him to leave and he wouldn't. I told him 3 times to leave and he still refused. I ended up having to pay $180 for him to open the door.
There is no reason this should have cost this much.

Im a certified locksmith & charge to pay for my training, equipment & business license fee ea yr. I work alone & not for a big company. I charge $35 to come out M-F during business hours & $50 nights after 5pm & weekends for lockout service & If I can't get you in non-destructively, you pay nothing! I will not drill a lock. These other "Smith's" are a ripoff & giving us honest one's a bad rep! Call SMALL locksmiths that work for themselves. Not on-line or dispatchers. Whether it be your auto or house, I'll get u in cleanly & there's no hidden fees. Service calls are $25/$40(week days/nights & weekends) and its $10 per lock for whatever service u need, whether it be picking, bypassing, or rekeying. Installing new construction devices is a tad higher because it involves cutting mortises, aligning & drilling & cleaning up the mess, but most services are $10ea which almost always only takes 3 - 30 mins. If u can't get a def quote on the phone, call someone else. A man's word is his bond

Called up Interstate via their ad in the yellow pages. Was informed that their would be a $59 service call. That that fee would be subtracted from the total bill, whatever that meant...(EG new lock, parts & labor). Plus, 'Gary' arrived 2 days later, asked Gary, about a senior citizen discount, he said 10%. But, once he was finished, was charged for both. Stupidly, didn't look at bill, till after he had left. Didn't receive either, discount. Finally, when we called the original phone number, which was printed in the ad in the yellow pages, today. I was informed (using a different phone) that the service call fee was $49. Somehow thats changed, and that, that fee was not subtracted from the final bill. Amazing. Two different days, two different stories. Total rip off.

I hope what I have shared with you helps you to understand the legitimate costs associated with locksmith service(s), BUT, so many of these reak of theft! Just think and listen to your inner voice that is telling you that you are being scammed and call the police. A real locksmith knows that when we help you in your hour of need and treats you fairly,that you will gladly accept a business card for future service. Good will goes a very, very long way. (I actually carry a minimum of two auto keys on my person 100% of the time....OK, 97% to allow for bathing.... :P)You're smart, so be up front boldly about prices before they leave to come your way. Best wishes.....Bob

To Continue---Scammers are the "drill the lock" people because they aren't locksmiths, with rare exception: Such as the Kwikset Smart Key lock, maybe. Additionally, regarding some fees, both during the day and after hours, there may be a mileage fee if outside a few mile radius. These rates should be made clear when talking to a dispatcher. Some posts talked about taking so long to arrive. If they have to drive some distance, the mileage covers gas and wear and tear on the service vehicle. Some have to go retrieve their service vehicle from their place of business, so that eats up time, too. One post said a service tech had to drive 25 miles...that is 25 miles times 2 = 50 miles. So, it is easy to see how some of these cited charges seem exorbitantly criminal, but in reality, prices add up! Still....scammers are scammers and should be sent on their way WITHOUT paying them a penny...(here, definitely call for a policeman/woman because the unscrupulous person came to steal from you.

It is obvious that most, if not all, of the experiences posted here are blatant ripoffs! My suggestion is if you experience this type of occurrence, call for a policeman to come. There is a scam nationwide and you should not fall prey to: "My service man will have to tell the price when he gets there and sees the job." Clearly a scam: hang up immediately! Use local businesses that you know if possible. Having said that, here are a few heads-up pointers to consider regarding pricing. Some service calls are after normal business hours, so the bonafide locksmith will be on after-hours rates, which are generally a bit higher. It is standard to have a "trip charge" simply to come to your location. If it is a simple lockout, a nominal additional fee (which should have been quoted to you on the phone because a REAL locksmith has books/software telling us how to get into a vehicle and short of high security locks, a REAL locksmith should rarely have to drill a lock! More to follow---

You people have to realize this is skilled labor, I understand the scammers with drills, but for an expert to open your deadbolt without damage in minutes is worth the $129

I forgot to get the keys and cam out of my appt. It got locked. Called the locksmith guy and asked him to open the door and not to break the lock. To open the door he asked for 145+25 for call service. after bargaining for few min he said 100 minimum in cash. when we agreed he started working on to unlock. He could not unlock the door without damaging the lock. Finally he had to break the lock. Which will cost me additional 65 -100 for replacement. what's the point of calling locksmith guy if he is gonna break the lock. Even i can do that. Felt cheated.

LOCKED MY KEYS IN MY CAR//CALLED LOCKSMITH CHARGED 146.78 FOR UNDER 3 MINS OF WORK// TOOK LONGER TO FILL OUT PAPERWORK ASKED WHY SO HIGH AND HE STATED THATS WHAT CO CHARGES

well he tried to hit me for 100 to do a 3 minute job but after I told him 2 leave he changed his tune and did the job for 65 .amazing how people change when the thought of the job being lost goes through their head

Found a locksmith on line for $15 service fee in 15 minutes. Showed up 1 hour later and told me $285 because he needs to drill out. After some negotiation, he said $200 if paid by cash, and he finished in 5 minutes. He asked &20 more be ause he changed the bolt. I didn't give it to him as I knew he was getting cash under table. Never again!

Need a copy of my car key that evidently has a chip in it. The guy told me $95 on the phone, then now I'm at $130. I mean a few years back it was $82...I am guessing with the economy that $130 isn't so bad (I should have done it a few years back).

Air bag + Graber tool + 3 mins = $240.00

website said $15 service fee and $35 lockout fee.rnWhen tech came, he asked how many locks on the door. I told him there are two locks, but I only locked bottom one when I go out. But he insisted the top one is locked and he had to drill out top one and charge me two locks price $75/each lock and $29 for replace the top lock, include $15 service fee total $194. I feel they cheated me the top one is locked and have to broken it. so they can charge two lock's fee and replaced lock. Never believe what they said on web site.rnIt only took 2 minutes labor. What a rip off.

used an inflatable device to push the window open and then stuck another device to unlock the door. i can $25-$50 but $125. and they were right down the road.

Both their website and dispatcher said $19 service call fee and $35 vehicle lockout fees. When the technician arrived, he said my car lock is "especially difficult" and may go up to $165 as it may involve different methods. I told him to try the easiest way first. It took him less than 30 seconds to open my car door! He said I still have to pay the full $165 regardless the time he spent. I confronted him of his dishonest sales tactics and got 10% off...still a rip off

My grandson paid 150.00 for 2 min when told it was a $19.00 service call with an additional amount to be determined. The locksmith was 3 miles away. I told him to break the window. You can get a replacement for 30.00. He took a minors whole paycheck. Never again.

I got sooo ripped off. $35 just for the call and 165 bucks for the 2 minute job.

Said there would be a $15 service fee. Guy came to door and told me $289 to unlock the front door. It took him 2 minutes with a small tool. Next time I will tell them to go take a hike.

I feel so bad for all of you who have been ripped off. I am a locksmith in Tahoe and my anytime of the night lockout fee is 60.00 and when I arrive the price doesn't change. Only once was I unable to pick open a residence, they had a kwikset smart key, almost impossible to pick. You can bypass them but it destroys the lock. To bypass the lock and install the same lock same color and everything, I ended up charging120.00 that was for everything. The people coming out to help you are probably not licensed, and don't know what they are doing

Stupid me pressed automatic door lock so door closed behind me and was locked out. Have hi security lock. Was told it takes $29 to despatch. Then locksmith said hes gonna drill into my lock even tho deadbolt was unlicked but door was locked. Said it was $189 to drill open. Then daid to replace hi security takes another $195. Total 410 bullshit dollars. Never use the automatic button again to automatically lock the door behind you.

About how much should it cost to get 2 new locks on a store door and about 7 copyies of the key? I lost my copy and now my boss says I need to pay for new locks and keys to make sure no one gets a hold of them and comes in. we have keys! we're not locked in. we just need new ones