6 Things to Look for When You Need to Find a Locksmith in Aberdeen

As an experienced locksmith in Aberdeen, nothing frustrates me more than seeing a disreputable locksmith company charging large fees for substandard services.

Before we get into my tips for finding an Aberdeen locksmith, I want to talk briefly about the difference between local and national services.

Can you be sure that your chosen Aberdeen locksmith is qualified to carry out the required work? Yes, they might work hard and do their best, but they may not have the knowledge of experience to complete the work to your satisfaction.

Many national firms don’t verify experience or certifications, and while some do, they rarely ensure true professionalism.

In my opinion, choosing a local locksmith is the less risky option. If they’re genuinely based in your community, assessing their credentials and checking their reviews is just a little bit easier.

One common issue with local locksmiths is availability; many don’t answer calls in the evenings or on weekends. As an Aberdeen locksmith, I pride myself on being different – I’m always reachable, including via WhatsApp, and I’ve stepped in to fix jobs when others didn’t follow through.

To help you choose wisely, here’s a guide to finding a reliable local locksmith based on my years of experience.

1. Learn How to Spot the Difference Between a Local Locksmith Business and a National Company

You’ll often find me on Google search engine results pages for locksmith services in my city. But you’ll also find national locksmith companies based in other areas of the UK. How can you tell if you’re choosing a local company or a nationwide service?

Here are a few tall-tale signs to watch out for

Hundreds of thousands of reviews: Local locksmiths usually don’t have thousands of reviews. If a company does, it’s almost certainly a nationwide operator.

No Google reviews: I always tell people to read only Google reviews as they’re the most reliable. If a company doesn’t have them, be wary!

Check Google Maps: Make sure your chosen locksmith is on Google’s local map. If the business address is listed as Aberdeen, you can be certain it’s an authentic local business.

Don’t be fooled by a local phone number: Just because a locksmith has an Aberdeen telephone number doesn’t mean they’re based in the city. You can buy these numbers and have them transferred from call centres in London and India.

Tip: When you call the Aberdeen locksmith, ask if you’re talking to a call centre or a locally based office.

High and fluctuating prices: Because national locksmith companies take a commission, the prices they charge are usually higher than those charged by Aberdeen locksmiths. Not only that, but out-of-hours prices can be double – or more – the usual price.

Tip: Avoid scam locksmiths that advertise prices like this: £29/£39/£49. They will often charge you several hundred pounds for a simple job.

2. Look for a Photo of the Locksmith at Work

When you’re trying to find the closest locksmith in an emergency, it’s tempting to just go for the first one you see on Google. However, how do you know that you’re dealing with the person who’ll actually be doing the work?

As an experienced locksmith in Aberdeen, I’m proud of the services I offer. I’m also proud of my track record when it comes to customer satisfaction. That’s why you’ll see photos of me at work on my website – so you know exactly who is coming.

If you can’t see a photo of the locksmith on the website, ask yourself why. What are they trying to hide? The chances are that the website isn’t operated by the person who will eventually do the work.

3. Read Genuine Customer Reviews

Customer reviews speak volumes about a locksmith’s reliability and service quality. To get a true picture, seek out reviews on trusted platforms rather than relying on a company’s website, where testimonials can be easily manipulated.

Google Reviews and Maps are among the most reliable options as they tie reviews to a verified local address, ensuring authenticity and traceability.

Be cautious of platforms like Feefo, where reviews can be misleading and difficult to trust, as they often restrict negative feedback. For the most dependable insights, stick to Google Reviews to confirm a locksmith’s local presence and reputation.

Real feedback from past customers will give you an honest picture of the level of service you can expect.

I take pride in the reviews from my clients, and I believe they reflect my commitment to providing top-notch services. Always check reviews before committing to a locksmith – it’s one of the best ways to gauge their professionalism and customer satisfaction.

4. Check Professional Credentials

I’m an NCFE-approved Aberdeen locksmith with a City and Guilds qualification. I’m fully DBS-checked and insured to ensure all my clients can order my services with confidence. What’s more, I offer a 12-month warranty on all my work.

Ask the locksmith if they can produce their certifications and proof of identity. As a reliable and professional locksmith in Aberdeen, I will always present my credentials when asked by a client.

So, when you’re searching Google with the term “find a locksmith in my area”, make sure you look for these professional credentials – but follow that up by asking the locksmith for proof.

5. Find a Direct Contact Number to the Locksmith Doing the Work

It’s important to know who will be coming to your door and to have direct communication with the person performing the job. This builds trust and ensures you’re dealing with the right person.

In my case, I provide a personal contact number so customers can reach me directly if they have any questions or concerns. This direct line of communication creates peace of mind and ensures transparency throughout the process.

When anyone phones the number on my website, they get through to me and not a call centre. I also communicate with my clients via WhatsApp, as it’s often easier and more convenient to do so.

When you choose a national locksmith company, you may not have the opportunity to talk to the person doing the work directly. In many cases, the customer gets through to a call centre worker who knows very little about the work done by a locksmith.

6. Be Aware of How National Locksmiths Find Their Customers Online

One of the methods used by large national companies involves setting up local numbers using VoIP systems. These digital telephone numbers look local – with a local prefix. However, they’re administered in remote locations, sometimes as far away as for example London.

Another method involves setting up dozens of ‘local’ sites to harvest web traffic from a central location. While these companies may have websites advertising “locksmith in Aberdeen”, they may be running their business from another city…even another country.

Find a Locksmith That Ticks All the Boxes

Whether you need to find an emergency locksmith or you’re thinking about upgrading your home security, I offer everything listed above. I take pride in delivering personalized service at a fair price. So, if you want complete transparency and exceptional workmanship, contact the Aberdeen Locksmith today.