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kimbetsy

Have I Been Cheated By This Locksmith?

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Hi I wish to know if it is normal to be charged near to SGD 400 for extracting a spoilt door knob and changing into a new knob?

I been charged ( I find rather exorbitantly ) for removing and changing a new one ( all in all adviced by the locksmith ) recently.

There was a door in our house that couldn't open and I got his contact from google, decided to call him up as he called himself the 24hrs emergency locksmith specialist. His contact is 67955455.

Someone please advice me. Mine is just the normal laminate wooden door with a normal doorknob, it wasn't a digital knob or anything.

Is this the normal rate in Singapore? Or could there been hidden charges since I live slightly further in middle of Singapore? Do Singaporeans pay transport fees for locksmith? But I wasn't informed when I contacted him.

When I had my knob changed in Australia, it generally cost under 100.

I was really flabbergasted when I was quoted a near 400SGD and this dude's attitude was bad off the rockets.

I mean really bad. I was tending to my baby on another floor and I could hear him throwing chunks of heavy stuffs on our marble floor, parts of the spoilt knob I guess. That's just really inconsiderate and plain rude. When I asked my helper to remind him to be gentle with the floor, he squarely told her he doesn't know how to work gently and is in a hurry and that if we have second opinions about his work we could pay him straight so that he can leave, leaving his work half done to the next locksmith that we will supposedly call in...

This was the advert I found in google.

24 Hrs Emergency Locksmith Specialist

#06-394, 660A Jurong West St 64, Singapore 641660.

Someone please advice me.

I am very disappointed since we just recently moved to Singapore.

I thought Singaporeans are thoughtful, efficient and honest folks.

 

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Join 46,923 satisfied homeowners who used renotalk quotation service to find interior designers. Get an estimated quotation

Take it as a lesson learnt. I had a similar experience with a plumber before and cost me $500. Well, you could have downright rejected him when he quoted you $400. If it doesn't feel right, don't agree.

 

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I've a foreigner customer who was not able to open the door lock to enter her old apartment during the renovation, she had make a big noise and claim that the old door lock was perfectly fine before handling over the house to us, we gotten locksmith and was charged $500 with the owner present, the locksmith explained to us that the apartment has aged and this was not the first lock he replaced.

She never agreed with him and insist we must pay for it, I knew if I don't pay for it then the renovation will not be able to continue, what do you guys think?

 

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There are a lot of fake locksmiths too out there. You need to be extra careful before hiring a locksmith. You can always consult your family or friends fro recommendations on locksmiths. You can also choose a locksmith from the phone book or from the listings on the internet. Always ensure while choosing the locksmith you re going to gire is from well qualified firm or not.

 

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Hi best advise is to check their ratings online before engaging anyone.

I personally will google their company first, if no profile then at least check up if there is a FB page or reviews that makes them reliable.

You will get tonnes of result for typing the area plus the service name you need. For this scenario "Jurong Locksmith" is the keyword you should google on.

After finding, I found a locksmith which is only charging $50 and above, https://singaporehomeservices.com/listing/singapore-home-locksmith/#comment-214 apart from other listing websites on google results. 

Do remember to always ask properly before engagement to any of the locksmiths like:

1) How much does your transport cost?

2) How much time is required for the fix?

3) How much to replace the knob if required?

4) Any additional charges required then take note down.

Before they start the services, ask them to evaluate the prices first. If it is okay then allow them to start work, if not just ask them to leave. They will request for transport fees but you can just pay a minimum amount on that.

Usually, they will negotiate as they do not want to waste their trip down but do not go overboard on cutting their prices. If not you can kiss good luck to yourself.

 

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My experience is, do not engage any 24Hrs Emergency Service in SG if not needed, they will charge few time more costly. For my case, I try to handle those small / minor issue on those handyman task including lock changing in case of emergency. :)  

Edited by investor688
 

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I've engaged this guy called James to change a lock. Also found on Google as I have no recommended contacts. He sounds professional. Will post a good review if he does the job well.

EDIT

All went well. He arrived on time and replaced the locks within 15 mins. Total for 1 letter box and 1 window grille was $85. Travel surcharge may apply if location is too far for him. 

 

Edited by kusudama
 

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The thing is, Google can`t quite tell which of the advertisements are real and which are not. It would be great if you find a locksmith for a reasonable price and you don`t need to overpay like a ton. So, it is better to find some specialist nearby or maybe relatives will help to install a lock and consult about locksmith if needed. Word of mouth works best in this business. Or find the biggest company and overpay them a bit to get the average service but you will be certain about their work.

In the other hand, if you manage to find a locksmith http://locksmithtoronto365.com/ nearby as i managed to do, you won`t pay these big companies and going off limits problems won`t bother you.

 

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The thing is, Google can`t quite tell which of the advertisements are real and which are not. It would be great if you find a locksmith for a reasonable price and you don`t need to overpay like a ton. So, it is better to find some specialist nearby or maybe relatives will help to install a lock and consult about locksmith if needed. Word of mouth works best in this business. Or find the biggest company and overpay them a bit to get the average service but you will be certain about their work.

In the other hand, if you manage to find a locksmith http://locksmithtoronto365.com/ nearby as i managed to do, you won`t pay these big companies and going off limits problems won`t bother you.

 

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recently got this locksmith name james to come my house to open a room door when my son is stuck inside.

come over within 25min. b4 coming over had whatsapp him the pic of the door n lock, where he is able to quote me opening of the room is $60 n if i need to change the lock will be addition of $50.

do everything as spoke on phone. n even teach me how to maintain the lock.

found his no. online too.https://threebestrated.sg/locksmiths-in-jurong-west

the 911 locksmith.

 

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