Should you give exact prices for lockouts over the phone?

Give an exact price only when it’s truly straightforward (common vehicle, keys locked inside, normal hours, known location). Otherwise give a range ($75–$150 car, $100–$200 house) and confirm the exact total once you verify time, location, and the lock situation—before you start work.

How do you respond when someone says, “Another locksmith said $49”?

Explain that many ultra-low quotes don’t include the service call, after-hours fees, or the real work once they arrive. Restate your real range and what it includes, then ask for the details that lock in a fair price (address + vehicle/lock type).

What info do you need to quote a rekey accurately?

Number of locks, whether each door has a knob and/or deadbolt, whether they want all locks keyed alike, and the lock brand if they know it. Then you can quote $75–$150 per lock and schedule a time.

When should you require an on-site estimate?

After break-ins, when there’s visible damage, when a key is broken off in the cylinder, when the customer mentions high-security locks, or when they’re not sure what hardware they have. Offer photo-based narrowing first, then a firm price on-site before you start.

How do you talk about after-hours pricing without scaring people off?

Mention it early and calmly: “Late night/weekend calls are usually on the higher end.” Then give the range and an ETA. People accept higher cost more easily when it’s stated upfront and tied to time of day.

What’s the best way to handle calls when you can’t answer while working?

Use a system that can pick up immediately, capture the lockout details, and text you a summary so you can accept the job fast between steps. SkipCalls can do this 24/7 and filter spam so you only call back real customers.

Pricing Inquiry Scripts

Pricing Inquiry Response Scripts for Locksmiths

Pricing calls are the #1 make-or-break moment for locksmiths because people are stressed, in a hurry, and calling whoever answers first. The scripts below help you give clear ranges fast (without getting trapped into a “$50 lockout” scam conversation), qualify the job, and book the call while you’re driving or working at a door.

Standard “How much to unlock my car?” (Emergency)

Use when someone is locked out of a vehicle and wants a price right now.

“I can help. Quick question so I quote it right: what’s the year/make/model, and are the keys locked inside or is it a lost key? For a standard car lockout where the keys are inside, you’re usually looking at $75–$150 depending on location and time of day. If it’s late night, weekend, or there’s a special lock system, it can be on the higher end. If you tell me your address and cross street, I can confirm the exact trip/time and get you on the schedule.”

Tips for this scenario

-Say “car lockout” and “keys locked inside” so they know you’re not talking about key replacement.
-Always ask year/make/model—some newer models can change the price and time.
-Close with address + cross street to move from price shopping to booking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

!Quoting a single low number for a lockout without asking car year/make/model or home lock type, then getting stuck when it’s a harder job.

!Skipping the ‘after-hours/weekend’ factor on the phone, then dealing with angry customers at 2 AM.

!Talking too long while the caller is in panic mode instead of getting address + callback number fast.

!Saying “I’ll see when I get there” without giving any range—price shoppers hang up and call the next locksmith.

!Letting online bait pricing ($49/$59) control the conversation instead of calmly explaining what a real service call includes.

Pricing Inquiry Response Scripts for Locksmiths

Standard “How much to unlock my car?” (Emergency)

Tips for this scenario

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Pro Tips

Frequently Asked Questions