New Media Resource Page
Many hardworking members of the news media are effectively getting the word out about issues facing the professional locksmiths. The Society of Professional Locksmiths appreciates their efforts and compliments these overworked, underpaid journalists in exposing "alleged locksmiths" involved in questionable business practices.
The SOPL and its members do not expect these journalists to know everything about our industry so this page is dedicated for media outlets so we may make it a little easier for them.
Fabric of the Industry -
The locksmith industry is comprised of a variety of individuals who possess various skill sets and back grounds. The industry is considered to be a specialized tight- knit community. On a local level professional locksmiths know each other and those working within their demographic area because of all the hours spent training together, meeting at locksmith supply houses, attending social events and association meetings, and attending product seminars or conventions. These locksmiths are frequently engaged in assisting one another in skill set development and mentoring. They regularly refer locksmiths in other areas and their network when calls come in from out of their work area or if a job requires someone of a certain specialty.
To Replace or Repair -
Door hardware and locks have a life cycle, and depending upon the type, grade and application, may or may not be repairable. It is often more cost effective to replace then to repair. Higher grade hardware often is repairable, however repair parts can often be costly and it becomes more cost effective to replace with a new lock. Each scenario is different and must be examined. The "alleged locksmiths" referred to as "scammers" often are incapable of repairing a damaged lock since they do not know how to obtain proper replacement parts or have access to purchase them through the supply houses or distribution channels.
To Pick, Bypass or Drill -
Picking a lock is not as simple as many may think. It is not Hollywood where something is simply inserted into a lock and it magically opens. Picking is an acquired skill set that takes much practice and very often can still be unsuccessful for a variety of reasons. It is one of many options when faced with a "lockout" situation. The addition of specialized "top pins" can make a low cost residential lock very difficult to pick. Certain locks require specialty picks or other associated devices that are prohibitive in cost for many local locksmiths. Most locksmiths will cease picking attempts beyond 5-15 minutes and resort to alternative methods.
Skills in "bypassing" a lock vary and very often one locksmith may possess a technique others do not. Such knowledge is simply discovered through time, experience or networking within their peer group. Bypassing a lockset in some cases is faster then picking or drilling. The choice to drill a lock open is an accepted trade practice and one that is taught in the industry. Drilling a lock open requires "strategic" drill points which are designed to prevent the least amount of damage possible to the lockset. In many cases this method can result in a corrective repair, in some cases replacement of the hardware is required. Those who resort to drilling without troubleshooting or applying alternative options such as bypassing or picking first may lack access to the proper tools through supply distribution and may not even be practicing locksmiths although they are attempting to be.
Suppliers or Distributors require certain information and references from locksmiths who require such tools, training and many of the staff within the distribution channels were active locksmiths involved in their local network and know who is credible and competent. They will block access to possession of lock or bypass tools at their discretion.
Consumer Lockout Response & Service -
Calls to locksmiths from consumers regarding a lockout situation are often deemed "emergencies" by the customer. Those offering emergency service or divert normal service to accommodate an emergency call will often prioritize the call with an added charge to cover lost wages from other scheduled work. Some locksmith specialize only in emergency response calls while other "alleged locksmiths" pose as they do. Consumers are often overwhelmed by the idea they are locked out of their home, car or office. The loss of time, the embarrassment and unexpected cost often interferes with their judgment and willingness to listen to the advice many professional locksmiths provide them, and in many cases cost is the single most contributing factor in the acceptance or rejection of a service response. This error results very often in an unsatisfied experience.
When a consumer contacts a locksmith during a lockout they should expect to be asked several questions, not just quoted a flat rate. They should also expect to be asked to provide some form of evidence that they have authority to enter or are who they claim to be. These questions are asked to develop an assessment for the locksmith to prepare and to convey both a best- and worst-case scenario for the consumers situation. This information is the best a locksmith can do without actually being on site to evaluate his/her response or methodology to service the call. Often the responses provided by the consumer do not coincide with the actual conditions found upon arrival by the locksmith and costs can change as a result.
To determine the difference between a locksmith and those "posing" as locksmith the consumer should ask, "will you damage my lock?" or "What non-destructive methods of entry will you first attempt to use?." This single question will unfold a discovery process that will reveal the locksmith’s knowledge and intent. In many cases professional locksmiths will express to the consumer during the call for service that they will employ the use of non-destructive methods BEFORE having to drill. If drilling is the recommended the remember to get a written quote (see below). It is not uncommon for a locksmith to provide a reconditioned replacement part at no charge if the drilling procedures must be utilized. In many cases, the cost to provide such parts is minimal and often built into the cost of doing business.
Quote or Estimate -
A quote is a statement of the price for goods and services being provided. If a contract is accepted a contract is formed between the two parties. It should always included cost of materials, labor and description of work performed. Estimates is an "approximation" or educated guess subject to change upon examination or other unforeseen issues. Unlike a quote, an estimate is not "fixed" and the final price may be more or less. If the consumer is being charged for a "fixed quote", they should be notified beforehand, if they are not - Do Not Pay!
The locksmith industry is comprised of a variety of individuals who possess various skill sets and back grounds. The industry is considered to be a specialized tight- knit community. On a local level professional locksmiths know each other and those working within their demographic area because of all the hours spent training together, meeting at locksmith supply houses, attending social events and association meetings, and attending product seminars or conventions. These locksmiths are frequently engaged in assisting one another in skill set development and mentoring. They regularly refer locksmiths in other areas and their network when calls come in from out of their work area or if a job requires someone of a certain specialty.
To Replace or Repair -
Door hardware and locks have a life cycle, and depending upon the type, grade and application, may or may not be repairable. It is often more cost effective to replace then to repair. Higher grade hardware often is repairable, however repair parts can often be costly and it becomes more cost effective to replace with a new lock. Each scenario is different and must be examined. The "alleged locksmiths" referred to as "scammers" often are incapable of repairing a damaged lock since they do not know how to obtain proper replacement parts or have access to purchase them through the supply houses or distribution channels.
To Pick, Bypass or Drill -
Picking a lock is not as simple as many may think. It is not Hollywood where something is simply inserted into a lock and it magically opens. Picking is an acquired skill set that takes much practice and very often can still be unsuccessful for a variety of reasons. It is one of many options when faced with a "lockout" situation. The addition of specialized "top pins" can make a low cost residential lock very difficult to pick. Certain locks require specialty picks or other associated devices that are prohibitive in cost for many local locksmiths. Most locksmiths will cease picking attempts beyond 5-15 minutes and resort to alternative methods.
Skills in "bypassing" a lock vary and very often one locksmith may possess a technique others do not. Such knowledge is simply discovered through time, experience or networking within their peer group. Bypassing a lockset in some cases is faster then picking or drilling. The choice to drill a lock open is an accepted trade practice and one that is taught in the industry. Drilling a lock open requires "strategic" drill points which are designed to prevent the least amount of damage possible to the lockset. In many cases this method can result in a corrective repair, in some cases replacement of the hardware is required. Those who resort to drilling without troubleshooting or applying alternative options such as bypassing or picking first may lack access to the proper tools through supply distribution and may not even be practicing locksmiths although they are attempting to be.
Suppliers or Distributors require certain information and references from locksmiths who require such tools, training and many of the staff within the distribution channels were active locksmiths involved in their local network and know who is credible and competent. They will block access to possession of lock or bypass tools at their discretion.
Consumer Lockout Response & Service -
Calls to locksmiths from consumers regarding a lockout situation are often deemed "emergencies" by the customer. Those offering emergency service or divert normal service to accommodate an emergency call will often prioritize the call with an added charge to cover lost wages from other scheduled work. Some locksmith specialize only in emergency response calls while other "alleged locksmiths" pose as they do. Consumers are often overwhelmed by the idea they are locked out of their home, car or office. The loss of time, the embarrassment and unexpected cost often interferes with their judgment and willingness to listen to the advice many professional locksmiths provide them, and in many cases cost is the single most contributing factor in the acceptance or rejection of a service response. This error results very often in an unsatisfied experience.
When a consumer contacts a locksmith during a lockout they should expect to be asked several questions, not just quoted a flat rate. They should also expect to be asked to provide some form of evidence that they have authority to enter or are who they claim to be. These questions are asked to develop an assessment for the locksmith to prepare and to convey both a best- and worst-case scenario for the consumers situation. This information is the best a locksmith can do without actually being on site to evaluate his/her response or methodology to service the call. Often the responses provided by the consumer do not coincide with the actual conditions found upon arrival by the locksmith and costs can change as a result.
To determine the difference between a locksmith and those "posing" as locksmith the consumer should ask, "will you damage my lock?" or "What non-destructive methods of entry will you first attempt to use?." This single question will unfold a discovery process that will reveal the locksmith’s knowledge and intent. In many cases professional locksmiths will express to the consumer during the call for service that they will employ the use of non-destructive methods BEFORE having to drill. If drilling is the recommended the remember to get a written quote (see below). It is not uncommon for a locksmith to provide a reconditioned replacement part at no charge if the drilling procedures must be utilized. In many cases, the cost to provide such parts is minimal and often built into the cost of doing business.
Quote or Estimate -
A quote is a statement of the price for goods and services being provided. If a contract is accepted a contract is formed between the two parties. It should always included cost of materials, labor and description of work performed. Estimates is an "approximation" or educated guess subject to change upon examination or other unforeseen issues. Unlike a quote, an estimate is not "fixed" and the final price may be more or less. If the consumer is being charged for a "fixed quote", they should be notified beforehand, if they are not - Do Not Pay!