Expert Tips on Choosing Reputable Locksmith Online

Online, November 29, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Jose Hernandez Jr., the proprietor of Omega Locksmith, is on a crusade to make sure consumers in need of emergency locksmith services get a fair shake.

"When someone is ripped off, or treated unfairly by anyone claiming to be in my business, it really hurts the reputation of all honest and hard-working locksmiths," Hernandez says.

As the owner/operator of a 24-hour locksmith emergency service, Hernandez has heard his share of horror stories from stranded motorists who had lost their keys, only to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous operators.

As a result, Hernandez has developed some helpful consumer tips on how to separate the wheat from the chaff -- when they search for a locksmith online.

Google Maps Listing-a Good Start

Hernandez says if you do an online search and a locksmith has a listing on Google Maps -- it is a good first sign he is reputable.

"My company is listed on Google Maps, and it's really difficult to get listed," he says. .
That's because Google has recently raised the bar on which companies it allows to be listed after third-party marketing firms gamed the search engine a few years ago, flooding it with many bogus listings.

The outcome was that some stranded motorists searching Google for a locksmith got connected instead with marketing companies that farmed their calls out - for a fee -- to dishonest or incompetent locksmiths.

But today, that is less likely the case. So, step No.1 is for consumers searching online to gravitate toward a locksmith listed on Google Maps, Hernandez advises.

Carefully Consider Customer Reviews

Once a consumer narrows their search online, they should only choose a locksmith who has a good number of legitimate customer reviews, according to Hernandez.

How can you tell if they are legit reviews?

If a locksmith only has one or two customer reviews, they could be from his friends or relatives. However, if they have 30 like Omega does - it's much more likely they are real reviews from real customers.

Hernandez advises consumers to take a couple of minutes and carefully read what others have to say about a locksmith's service and prices they're considering..

Here's a recent review left by one of Omega's customers, who identified herself as Beth:

"I called Omega Locksmith in Chicago to come and make a key to my 2003 Ford Focus because I had a lost car key situation," she writes. "They sent out Jose. He came to Lincoln Park where my car was at and made me two new transponder keys on the spot for a very reasonable price."

Finally, Hernandez says a tip off on whether a locksmith is reputable or not is his willingness to quote a price for his services on the phone.

"If he is vague or unwilling to give you a price - steer clear and go to the next," Hernandez advises.

For more tips or to interview Hernandez use the following contact information:

Jose Hernandez Jr.
4329 W 26th St.
Chicago, IL. 60623
773-277-5625
Omega Locksmith
Jose@OmegaLocksmith.com