2026-10-10 · 4 min read · Safe Guard Locksmith Service Burwood
What to Ask Before Hiring a Locksmith
Twelve questions to ask a locksmith before they start: price, timing, damage, parts, keys and ID checks. Avoid surprises on your next job in Burwood East.
Most people only call a locksmith a handful of times in their life, and often in a hurry. That makes it easy to agree to something without understanding it. A few well-chosen questions take two minutes on the phone and can save a lot of money and frustration. This guide lists the questions worth asking, why each one matters, and what a good answer sounds like.
Before they come out
1. "What is your business name and where are you based?"
Why ask: You want to know you are dealing with a real, local business rather than a call centre that sends whoever is free.
A good answer: A clear business name and a street address you can look up. Ours is Safe Guard Locksmith Service Burwood, 50 Middleborough Rd, Burwood East.
2. "How much will the call-out cost?"
Why ask: The call-out is the fixed part of the price. Knowing it avoids surprises.
A good answer: A specific figure, or a range with a clear reason, such as a higher after-hours rate.
3. "What is the likely total for my job?"
Why ask: The call-out alone does not tell you the full cost.
A good answer: A range based on what you described, with an explanation of what would push it up or down. Our locksmith costs guide explains the parts of a fair quote.
4. "When can you realistically get here?"
Why ask: You need to plan, especially in an emergency.
A good answer: An honest estimate based on where they are and what is already booked. Be wary of guaranteed times that sound too good to be true. We will not promise an arrival time we have not confirmed with you on the call.
5. "How will you confirm I am allowed to enter?"
Why ask: For lockouts, this shows the locksmith takes security seriously.
A good answer: A request for reasonable proof such as a licence showing the address, a lease or a bill. A locksmith who does not ask is a risk to everyone.
About the work itself
6. "Will you need to drill or damage anything?"
Why ask: Drilling means paying for a new lock.
A good answer: "Probably not, but if it is needed I will explain why and tell you the cost before I start."
7. "Can this be repaired instead of replaced?"
Why ask: Many locks that stick or fail can be repaired for much less than a new lock.
A good answer: An honest assessment once they see the lock. See our lock repair page.
8. "Would rekeying do the job?"
Why ask: After lost keys or a move, rekeying usually gives the same result as new locks for less. Our article Rekey or Replace Locks? explains the choice.
A good answer: "If the locks are in good condition, yes."
9. "What brand and type of lock are you fitting?"
Why ask: Lock quality varies widely. You should know what you are paying for.
A good answer: A specific product, with a reason it suits your door.
10. "Can all my locks work on one key?"
Why ask: Keying alike is convenient and is easiest to arrange while the locksmith is already there.
A good answer: "Yes, if the locks are compatible. If not, we can swap a cylinder to match."
After the job
11. "Will I get an itemised invoice?"
Why ask: You need a record for insurance, warranty and tax.
A good answer: "Yes, with our business name, ABN, the work done and parts used."
12. "What warranty applies?"
Why ask: Parts and workmanship should be covered.
A good answer: Manufacturer warranty on parts, and a commitment to fix workmanship problems.
Extra questions for businesses
If you are arranging work for a shop or office, also ask:
- Can you work outside our trading hours?
- Can you set up a master key system?
- Do you offer restricted keys that cannot be copied?
- Will you keep a record of who holds which keys?
Our commercial locksmith page covers these services.
Extra questions for renters and rental providers
- Do I need consent before the locks are changed?
- Will you give a copy of the new key to the rental provider?
- Does the lock meet rental minimum standards?
See our guide to landlord and tenant lock rules in Victoria.
Answers that should worry you
- "We'll work out the price when we get there."
- "We can't give you an address."
- "It'll have to be drilled," before they have seen the lock.
- "Cash only, no receipt."
- "We can be there in ten minutes, guaranteed," from a business that does not know where you are.
If you hear these, it is reasonable to say no thanks and call someone else.
What you should tell the locksmith
Good answers depend on good information. Tell the locksmith:
- Your suburb and type of property.
- Which door or lock is involved.
- What is happening, in as much detail as you can.
- How urgent it is.
- A photo of the lock if possible.
The quote form on our contact page asks for exactly these details.
Why we welcome questions
We would rather spend a few minutes on the phone than have you surprised by a bill. Clear answers on price, timing and what the job involves are part of doing the work properly. Read more about how we work.
Ask us anything
Call 03 4422 2837 with your questions. Our office at 50 Middleborough Rd, Burwood East is open 7 days, 8:00am to 7:00pm (Friday until 7:30pm), and emergency lockouts are handled 24/7. We also offer residential locksmith and emergency locksmith services across the surrounding suburbs.
- choosing a locksmith
- questions
- pricing
- trust