In the state of Wisconsin there is currently no law requiring the certification, registration, or licensing of a Locksmith.
Any person who feels he or she wishes to pursue this trade May attempt to do so. There are however, laws restricting the sale
of locksmith related tools and equipment only to those individuals that have been certified to purchase and carry them.
Your job as a consumer is to make sure the person you contact calling himself a “locksmith” has the proof that he really is.
Yellow page companies contract with advertising agencies to sell space in their phone books. While some restrictions are
being tightened, at no time during the placement of an advertisement are the credentials of locksmiths checked to allow them
to advertise as such. An individual could place an ad as a neurosurgeon, attorney, or a locksmith. In fact, under the
heading “Locksmiths and Locksmithing” you can find towing companies, auto repair shops, and even marine repair services
for opening cars and boats.
I found a Locksmith with the cheapest price.
Many times Locksmiths just starting out will “under price the competition” just to get the business. Unfortunately lack of
experience, and unnecessary damage, sometimes goes along with the cheaper price. Established seasoned locksmiths
know what they have to charge to pay for the business operations, tools, education, insurance, and bonding which
goes with operating a successful business. Experience also proves you can’t stay in business very long if you don’t charge
a fair market price and make a profit. The choice is yours
How do you avoid being scammed and find a locksmith you can trust?
Don't wait until you have an emergency lockout. Scammers know you will pay almost anything to get into
your car, home, or business, especially in cold weather. Visit a local Locksmith before you need any services.
Look for the following;
An actual storefront at the listed address or addresses. Use caution with businesses using multiple phone numbers or multiple locations with no addresses.
Do they have displays to look at and products you can visually inspect.
Membership in Local and National Associations that offer self-policing policies and requirements. What is most important is
that as an associate member of these associations, their reputation among their peers is known.
Ability and willingness to share information with you the customer without having to purchase products. Your families security
is a serious and important issue, and any decision should not be a spur of the moment decision made under high pressure sales.
Their reputation. Are they willing to provide references of customers, and other locksmiths that know the type of work they do.
Visit nearby businesses to see if they use that Locksmith's services, and ask them if they how long they have been at their
current location.
Call your local Better Business Bureau and check for complaints.
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