A&T Locksmiths

Review: Overcharged on service provided. Over twice the cost of similar business's to complete the identical service.

On Saturday August 10 2013, my wife and I returned home from dinner at approximately 10:pm. I couldn't unlock the front door after several attempts due to a failure of the lock cylinder. I first called 911 on my cell phone and they advised calling the phone information operator for a locksmith. The first name given for this service, was listed on the same street as my home. Naturally, being local, I thought I would get a quicker response ( because of the hour ), then another service provider who was not nearby. The locksmith arrived in about 45 minutes. He attempted to unlock the door with my key and was unsuccessful. With a screwdriver inserted into the lock cylinder, he finally unscrewed it and was able to unlock the door. He determined the locking mechanism was defective and not repairable. He stated he could not order a new part until Monday August 12th. and would replace it the same day. I was then given a bill for his visit ( not to A&T locksmith but one labeled [redacted] ) for a total of $526.18 which included $100. deposit for the new lock. Since he was there for approximately 20 minutes, I was shocked and challenged him on the $395 labor charge. He stated this was the standard rate for a 'lock out'. Hence, I had no choice, but to pay him by a charge card as he would not accept a personal check.

On Monday morning, I went through the telephone yellow pages and called several locksmiths and asked what their 24/7 rate was for a lock out. The amounts quoted were below one-half of the charge I paid. I also called a dealer who specialized in my lock brand ( [redacted] ) and he stated that the replacement had to match the number of the lock in the chamber. When the locksmith returned on Monday to complete the repair, he removed the lock and it was labeled [redacted]. His replacement was labeled [redacted]. When I asked him why the replacement was a different number, his explanation was the that the lock makers are 'always up grating and changing numbers'. The mechanism is not an exact fit and I will have to refinish both sides of the door which is stained on the exterior side and will require a total sanding to raw wood and be stained. At my expense of course. Again, for 20 minutes to complete the repair, the cost was $250.

'Naturally this was the going rate'. Who needs to send their children to college??Desired Settlement: Refund to a more reasonable labor rate that is current with other locksmiths.

Consumer

Response:

Try : [redacted]

Telephone : [redacted]

Review: They say when you call up they accept all major credit and debit cards, plus checks and cash. This guy works out of his home; he gets to the job and says he'll only take cash and then charges you a ridiculous amount of money once the job is complete and doesn't so much as ask if you want a receipt. On 7/29/2013 he charged me $280 for twenty minutes worth of work. He failed to pick a lock and proceeded to smash to doorknob off with a hammer. If I wasn't so relieved that I wouldn't have a problem getting in for my night shift, I wouldn't have paid.

Product_Or_Service: Door UnlockDesired Settlement: I want to be reimbursed at least half of what he charged me, just on principle. This man is a fraud and a terrible locksmith.

Consumer

Response:

Consumer indicated they have not heard from the company

Consumer

Response:

I believe ([redacted] is the original number I called - found another listing for them;

Overcharged on service provided. Over twice the cost of similar business's to complete the identical service.

On Saturday August 10 2013, my wife and I returned home from dinner at approximately 10:pm. I couldn't unlock the front door after several attempts due to a failure of the lock cylinder. I first called 911 on my cell phone and they advised calling the phone information operator for a locksmith. The first name given for this service, was listed on the same street as my home. Naturally, being local, I thought I would get a quicker response ( because of the hour ), then another service provider who was not nearby. The locksmith arrived in about 45 minutes. He attempted to unlock the door with my key and was unsuccessful. With a screwdriver inserted into the lock cylinder, he finally unscrewed it and was able to unlock the door. He determined the locking mechanism was defective and not repairable. He stated he could not order a new part until Monday August 12th. and would replace it the same day. I was then given a bill for his visit ( not to A&T locksmith but one labeled [redacted] ) for a total of $526.18 which included $100. deposit for the new lock. Since he was there for approximately 20 minutes, I was shocked and challenged him on the $395 labor charge. He stated this was the standard rate for a 'lock out'. Hence, I had no choice, but to pay him by a charge card as he would not accept a personal check.

On Monday morning, I went through the telephone yellow pages and called several locksmiths and asked what their 24/7 rate was for a lock out. The amounts quoted were below one-half of the charge I paid. I also called a dealer who specialized in my lock brand ( [redacted] ) and he stated that the replacement had to match the number of the lock in the chamber. When the locksmith returned on Monday to complete the repair, he removed the lock and it was labeled [redacted]. His replacement was labeled [redacted]. When I asked him why the replacement was a different number, his explanation was the that the lock makers are 'always up grating and changing numbers'. The mechanism is not an exact fit and I will have to refinish both sides of the door which is stained on the exterior side and will require a total sanding to raw wood and be stained. At my expense of course. Again, for 20 minutes to complete the repair, the cost was $250.

'Naturally this was the going rate'. Who needs to send their children to college??