The internet is also great when it comes to locating quality professionals for your various home, office and property security needs.  Via your computer or smart phone, a few taps of the keyboard or screen will have all the information you need to pick an experienced and reliable locksmith or security consultant, right at the tip of your fingertips.  Want to know more about using the world wide web to evaluate your locksmith partner and weed out fly-by-night or disreputable companies from your short list, then read on!

1.   Certifications, Accreditations, Licensing and More

One of the first, easiest and best ways to ensure you’re dealing with a professional locksmith is to check out their various accreditations.  Many organizations will list this information on their website.  The state of Texas, as well as other jurisdictions, also maintains lists of licensed locksmith companies.  Always be sure to verify with the certifying authority any information provided.

2.   Industry Participation Adds Cred

In addition to certification by government and third parties, you should use google or other search engines to determine if your individual or locksmith company is active in various trade industries involving security.  Professional outfits like to keep up on the latest-and-greatest happenings in the world of locks and security.  Bonus points for education articles or contributions to blogs that provide vital info to the public.

3.   Check out those Reviews

While it may seem second nature to many, checking out online reviews is one of the most essential and often overlooked aspects of gauging reliability of your potential locksmith.  Yelp, Google Reviews and paid sites such as Angie’s List, all offer platforms for prior customers to rate their service.  Try to peruse a variety of sources to be sure you have the most accurate information.

4.   And by Reviews We Mean the Legitimate Ones

While we’re on the topic of reviews, it’s important to remember that not all reviews are created equal.  Some disreputable companies will ask friends and family to provide five-star ratings, with little to no detail regarding service.  Others will pay third-party services to flood their profiles with positive feedback.  Carefully read the reviews to determine whether they were made by users with active profiles and whether the review itself has quality and applicable information.

5.   Peruse That Website

Since you’re online anyways, another great way to ensure you’re not getting on board with a less-than-awesome locksmith partner is to give their website a thorough once over.  A website should look professional and customized with more than just minimal contact information.  If a website looks canned or has too many stock pictures that don’t match up with the services offered, this may be a red flag that you should look elsewhere for your locksmith needs.

6.   Verifiable Customer testimonials

Whether on their website, through reviews or by email request, the internet is a great place to get ahold of customer testimonials for your locksmith partners.  Testimonials amount to resume references for those in the locksmith or other trades professions.  Be sure the testimonials are from real people and ask if it’s okay to contact the prior clients for confirmation or a more in-depth assessment.

7.   With Age Comes Wisdom and Experience

Whether your grandmother or your locksmith partner, the old saying about listening to your elders certainly applies for general knowledge, experience and know-how.  When choosing a security professional, use available online resources to confirm length of time in business as well as total number of years of locksmith experience.  Fly-by-night operations will often operate under a variety of business names in a short period of time in an attempt to avoid poor reviews or customer service issues.  In addition, when dealing with a locksmith that’s been around the block a time or two you can rest easy knowing your security is in the hands of someone with the right set of knowledge and skills.

The Internet Bottom Line

Using the internet as a valuable resource for weeding out potential bad apples for your locksmith needs is never a bad idea.  If you’re in need of a professional locksmith in the Texas area, call A-1 for a free consultation.  In the meantime, feel free to check out our credentials, industry awards, independent customer tutorials, reviews and more at https://devkey.a-1locksmith.com/.

Obey the Local Authority

When it comes to rules and regulations surrounding locksmiths, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Services Division – Private Security Bureau (PSB) are the regulatory authority in charge of setting standards and maintaining licensing requirements.  Before you even begin thinking about becoming a locksmith you’ll have to complete a background check to confirm you’re free of convictions, serious arrests and other felonious behavior.  Wouldn’t do any good teaching criminals how to pick a lock, now would it?

More Testing Than You Can Shake a Stick At

Once you’ve passed the initial hurdle, there’s several routes you can take to becoming a licensed locksmith in charge of your own establishment.  The first route involves a combination of a 48-hour certification course, 600 hours served at a locksmith trade school and working for a qualified locksmith for a year.  If that seems a bit, onerous, you can also find a local locksmith company that’s a member of a certified trade union and convince them to take you on for a two-year internship.

At the end of either approach you’ll be required to pass a Federal background check and take something called the PSB’s Qualified Managers exam.  The exam is a far-cry harder than your last driver’s ed test.  Exam takers will need to be familiar with all of the laws that govern the locksmith profession, contained within the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702 and the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 35.  If you pass the exam, and that’s a big if, the state will then verify your education and employment history and make you a bonafide Locksmith, able to start their own locksmith establishment.

But Wait, There’s More

The requirements don’t end once you have a license in hand.  As a locksmith, out in the big wide world on your own, you’ll be required by the state to maintain insurance to keep your license.  In order to maintain your license, you will also need to complete annual continuing education and certify and renew your license.  And don’t forget that hour of ethics that is part of the requirement.

Call A-1 for a Certified Locksmith

As our short summary demonstrates, becoming a certified locksmith in the state of Texas is no small feat.  But that doesn’t stop the professionals at A-1 Locksmith from making the grade.  Each of our locksmiths have met the rigorous training, education, testing and background requirements set by the state.  It may be the law, but is also just makes good sense.  At A-1 locksmith your safety and security is our number one priority and only the best and brightest can call themselves a part of the A-1 family.  Call A-1 today to find out the difference that a state licensed locksmith can make when it comes to protecting you, your family and your most treasured possessions.