Independent vs National Locksmiths: Invoicing and Aftercare

The 3rd part in a 4 part series comparing the way Independent Locksmiths and National Locksmiths operate.

• Part 1: Advertising and Securing Work
• Part 2: At The Job
• Part 3: Invoicing and Aftercare
• Part 4: A summary of the differences

My company is IKS Locksmiths and we are independent Barnet locksmiths and security specialists approved by the Master Locksmiths association.

In Part 3 of this series we look at invoicing and guarantee/aftercare based on our experience of the business and how IKS Locksmiths operate as a company.

Prices for locksmith services are not controlled my law. This leaves unwitting customers susceptible to potentially being overcharged large sums of money. This is what you need to look out for when it comes to invoicing and after sales care.

Invoicing

Independents – We invoice for labour and parts and we always inform the customer that VAT will be added.

Nationals – Beware of companies dishonest charging methods. A Call Out Charge + Over inflated Labour Costs + Over Inflated Product Costs + VAT which wasn’t mentioned at the time of quoting.

Only accept a fixed labour cost and ask if VAT is included in the Quote. The cost of parts should be the only prices locksmiths need to discuss on the job. Check the small print for the T&Cs.

VAT Registered V Non VAT Registered

Don’t assume that using a non VAT registered locksmith will save you 20%. They will pay more VAT on materials and the saving is usually about 12%, yet in my experience there is often no saving at all.

Guarantee

Independents – My customers have a direct line to me. All work is guaranteed and customer satisfaction is a priority to me.

Nationals – It may be difficult to get in touch with the locksmith who carried out the work on your property making it an impossible chain to follow up on. The likelihood is that a subcontractor was used making it even harder.

Find out if you can contact the locksmith that carried out the work in the event of any issues in the future. Make sure you know what the situation is in terms of after sales guarantees.

A purchase of security grilles for doors and windows from IKS provides you with a 5 year guarantee. When fitting locks we provide a 12 month guarantee.

If you are looking for a local emergency locksmith I strongly advise searching for your local MLA (Master Locksmith Association) http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/ Approved Locksmith using your postcode. If you are thinking of using your local locksmith store do some research into the reviews and qualifications they have on line.

If you Google “locksmith near me prices” just be aware that what may seem a good deal on the face of things may have hidden costs. Locksmith prices can depend on a range of factors. Read our guide to How Much a Locksmith Should Cost .

I hope this information has been helpful. Please follow us on Twitter  for the full National V Independent series amongst other security advice and information including my Diary of a North London Locksmith.

In the last part of this 4 part series we will summarise the points made to provide a quick guide to what to look for a what to be aware of when booking a locksmith.