No-Show Follow-Up Templates for Locksmiths
When you drive 20 minutes for a $150 house lockout only to find an empty porch, you aren't just losing that job; you're losing the gas money and the other emergency calls you could have taken. These scripts help you reclaim your time and ensure that a missed appointment today doesn't mean a lost customer forever.
Same-Day Emergency No-Show
Use this when you arrive for an emergency lockout (house or car) and the customer isn't there or won't answer the door.
Hi, this is [Your Name] with [Business Name]. I'm outside at the address you gave for the lockout, but I don't see anyone here. I have two other emergency calls waiting for car lockouts across town, so I can only stay at your door for another 5 minutes before I have to move on. Please call or text me back immediately if you still need me to pick this lock, otherwise I'll have to head to the next job to keep my schedule on track.
Tips for this scenario
- -Mention the other waiting calls to create urgency.
- -Always give a specific 5-10 minute 'departure' deadline so they know you're not waiting forever.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pro Tips
- 1.Ask the customer to text you a photo of the lock before you leave; people who send photos are 80% less likely to no-show.
- 2.Always confirm if the lock is a high-security brand like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock before driving out, as these require special tools.
- 3.Use SkipCalls to handle your booking calls while you are upside-down under a steering column working on an ignition.
- 4.If a customer no-shows on a lockout, wait 5 minutes and call from a different number—sometimes they are just avoiding your specific ID.
- 5.Mention your 'emergency dispatch fee' upfront during the first call so they know they are financially committed to the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I charge a no-show fee for an emergency lockout?
Yes, but it is hard to collect after the fact. The best practice is to take a credit card over the phone for a 'dispatch fee' before you even put the van in drive.
How long should I wait at a door before leaving?
For an emergency lockout, 10 to 15 minutes is the industry standard. Any longer and you are losing money on the next potential emergency call.
What if the customer says they found their keys after I arrive?
You should still charge a service call fee (usually $50-$75) to cover your gas and time. Professional locksmiths always explain this 'trip charge' during the initial call.
How do I prevent 'double-calling' where they call three locksmiths and take the first one?
The best way is to stay on the phone or use a service like SkipCalls to book them immediately. If they feel they have a 'confirmed' pro on the way, they usually stop calling others.
Stop Losing Lockout Leads to the Guy Down the Street
Locksmiths lose 40% of their revenue because they can't answer the phone while their hands are full of tools. SkipCalls picks up every call, books your lockouts 24/7, and filters out the 'price shoppers' so you only drive to the jobs that pay.
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