Your first step in protecting yourself is to know what credentials are required and ask the locksmith to fax or email copies.
A properly licensed locksmith should be happy you are asking since the majority of companies are not compliant. We also know from experience that many locksmiths will also lie and tell you they are licensed
Did you know that in California a State Contractors license is required for locksmith's to do business over $400.00?
Ask for their license number and than check the number with the California Contractors Board to be sure it is current and in their name.
If they do not have a State Contractors license you can assume they are either working illegally or they do not have many residential or commercial clients that require larger jobs with more experience and knowledge.
Also required of all locksmiths is the Consumer affairs license issued by the Dept. of Investigative services. Any locksmith who comes to your business or home should be asked to show it to you.If they can't then send them away!
All of the above licenses are on Flam's web site on the credential page.
Remember, being properly licensed is not a guarantee of quality work or ethics but it is the first step in eliminating who you choose.
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ReplyDeleteI was referred to Flams from a very good friend for an ongoing problem I was having with my locks. Thinking I needed to have my locks replaced I was resigned to the fact this was going to be costly. I had the good fortune of speaking to Jack Flam on the phone and after explaining my problem-he carefully and "meticulously" layed out the possibilities of what the problem was-which enabled me to fix my problem at a fraction of what I thought it would cost. Thanks Jack-it is so nice to know such a generous and honorable person in this line of work in Los Angeles.
ReplyDeleteJeff Frank
Valley Village