Complaint Review: LOCKSMITH PROS - Nationwide

Contacted 410.793.4034 Locksmith Pros to request service for lockout of home.  Was told tech would call me back shortly.   He called quickly.    Scheduled to wait outside and he would meet nme in 1 hour at 430pm.     Called the service back and asked what it would cost for the service.  She said a simple lock is $35.  She said they do not charge labor.  They charge by the service.   The tech would tell you ahead of time If its a complicated lock with lots of pins, etc. and  the technician would tell me what it would cost ahead of time but they will tell me the flat amount.  Not service plus labor.   She said they take credit cards.   I told her i may run out and get the $'s since I had an hour to wait. I was making sure whether i was supposed to pay cash or credit card to ensure it was an honest transaction.   Rep seemed very nice in giving me that information.   I did also tell her that the tech made me nervous on the phone as he didn't want to give me his name.  he just kept saying "locksmith" when I asked his name.   I finally got him to me it was Luke. She said she would report that to her manager.  

Tech arrived very promptly.   He placed an inflatable bag in the door seam and opened the door in less than 2 minutes.    

I told him to let me go back out to the car I had been waiting in to get his $35.  He said the charge is $85.   I asked him why?  He said they charge $35 to come out and the labor was $50. Also that they are paid on commission.  He said he could not control what they charge.    I told him I was told differently on the phone, but was happy he opened the door.   He said he was going to take his tools to the truck while I got his pay together.   He wanted me to pay cash.  Wonder why?   I told him no, I was using a credit card and I told him exactly why.  He said he wasn't sure credit cards work for him now because they are chip.  I told him that his company assured me that he could take a credit card.  

While he was outside I called the office and asked them why the rate is different?  I understand that $35 was the minimum service that he could do but what could possibly be less than an inflatable bag in 2 mins?   She said $85 is a good rate, I should be glad.   What?!    What happened to a flat amount for the service.   He never said it was more ahead of time and I only brought $40 to pay what they told me to expect.  It was not anything more than the basic 2 minute service.   She started telling me about different locks with different pins cost more, etc.    But I don't have that!  She still kept telling me about services I don't even have.  I told her she wasn't listening to me and I wasn't sure if she ripped me off or the field tech was pulling a fast one.   She wouldn't answer the question so I told her I was hanging up.  

I went out side to pay the tech.  He did not know I called their office.   What a shock when he handed me a bill that now says its $100.   He had added a  service call fee to it now.   I told him that I was on the phone with the company and asked them to explain the price difference.  I told him I don't know who is ripping me off... him or company that hires him as a sub, but I will be filing a complaint to BBB.   He said he  knows he hears alot of complaints about the office giving the wrong information and he would knock off the service call.... hummmm.. thought you couldnt control the costs?.   I paid him by credit card.  I felt that they would definately not be honest giving someone cash.    I requested receipt and got one from the company below instead.   So the company you actually call remains annonymous.   

ALL LOCKSMITH SERVICE 

5010 SUNNYSIDE AVENUE 

SUITE 106

BELTSVILLE, MD 20705

240.770.2442