Pricing Strategies
Ask for and get the best price for lock service!
Here are the tips you need to learn for the commercial and residential sector
1. Always ask for a tight estimate by telephone. If you don't, the locksmith is going to charge you what the market will bear. He knows he needs to be competitive if you ask! Always ask price.
2. Do not use a locksmith middleman. Many larger corporations use companies who contract locksmiths. Their reasoning is that all of their managers in the U.S. will have only one number to call. Here is the dirty little secret. The middleman contracts the locksmith and dispatches him to the site to be serviced. The middleman allows the locksmith up to $200 to complete the service call. The trouble is that the job is only a $75 job. Of course, the locksmith takes the $200. The middleman may work on a salary; but, there is a chance the middleman will add another $200 to the bill. In the end, the corporations pay $400 for a $75 job. By the way, the middleman states explicitly to the locksmith that the store manager cannot see the bill! Demand that you see the bill. Avoid calling locksmiths with 1-800 numbers.
3. Beware of an extremely low price. If you take the low bid on a specific job, be prepared for incompetent service! Of course, this will not always be the case. Only take the lowest bid if the references are satisfactory. Only then can you be sure of competent service.
4. Ask the locksmith for "lock cost" deal. Let's say that you need your glass front door re-keyed. You are quoted a $50 service call and $15 for each lock cylinder. Your total bill is $80. Let's also say that you believe your locks are in bad shape or are the new junky ones that come with new glass door installations. Ask the locksmith, "Today, I like the price. But, will you throw in two new cylinders at your cost plus a dollar?" Two new cylinders are about $6.50 each. Add a dollar. Ask, "Will you add the two new cylinders for $15, for a total of $95 for the job?" This also works for realtors. If you are repossessing a home, ask for a re-key price total and ask for locks to be replaced at cost.
5. Institutional locks purchasers and manufacturing plants can ask for exceptional pricing deals. If you have a maintenance staff who can install locks, give your local locksmith a chance to bid on locks you normally order by internet or by mail. Locksmiths receive from 30% to 55% off of all lock retail prices. When you find a lock you need, find your best internet price. Call your locksmith and ask him if he can beat that price and if he can deliver it. You just might be surprised at the savings.
6. Residential customers can buy their own locks at Lowe's or Home Depot. Call the locksmith and ask him if he can install them for you. This will save you money and you get to pick out the lock style and color you want. Installations are fraught with all kinds of snags. Call the locksmith.
7. Locksmith rates vary from place to place. Generally, in Middle Tennessee, service call rates go from $39 to about $75. Hourly rates are anywhere from $35 an hour to $75 per hour. Lock cylinder re-keying runs from $10 to $25. Master keying is higher. Always ask.
8. Volume business locations bring better rates. If you have 5 or more locations for your business, a locksmith can charge you a low monthly rate and give you up to four re-keys per year per store! Or you can purchase interchangeable core locks that you can easily re-key yourself! Ask your locksmith for a volume rate on these locations or threaten to look elsewhere for service.
