It’s almost noon and your stomach is growling. You could really go for a burger and some fries. (A milkshake would hit the spot, too.) You know there’s probably a McDonald’s right around the corner, but what you really want is to try a local spot where they hand-make the burger patties, fresh-cut the fries and give you service with a smile. Then again, McDonald’s is cheaper. What do you do?
This decision is similar to others we face each day, such as choosing a locksmith. Whether you’re locked out of your house, business or automobile, you have a lot of choices when it comes to locksmiths. So which is better, a national chain of locksmiths or local company? Here’s how to decide.
Pros and Cons of a National Chain
Like the McDonald’s of the world, a national chain will have multiple locations across the country. This is advantageous, as it means there is likely a location near you, if you live near a metropolitan area. Convenience is definitely one of the benefits of a national chain. Another advantage national locksmith chains have is that they can sometimes offer the lowest price on services. You might see specials for a “$99 gun safe” or “$5 rekeying special.”
Then again, this brings us to some of the disadvantages you’ll see with national chains. For starters, those specials and deals they offer may be too good to be true. Whether it’s a “bait-and-switch” tactic where they try to get you in the door and upsell you or the fact they hide many of their fees, you’ll likely end up paying more than the advertised price. Also, if you’ve frequented any of the national fast-food chains, you likely haven’t experienced the best food nor service in the world. The same logic applies here.
Pros and Cons of a Local Locksmith
Local locksmith companies, on the other hand, are invested in their local communities. As such, you’re sure to experience exemplary customer service. And while local companies may not have a national presence, they may have the convenience of multiple locations in your area. A-1 Locksmith, for example, has 10 Dallas-Fort Worth retail locations. Finally, another benefit that local locksmiths offer is usually an extended business history in the area. A-1 Locksmith has been serving the Metroplex for over 65 years!
As for cons, a local locksmith may not offer as cheap prices on services or products as a national chain. But, as is the case in a comparison between a McDonald’s burger and handcrafted burger, you get what you pay for. So when it comes to choosing between a local locksmith service and a national chain, you’ll have to decide whether you value convenience and cost, or service, experience and getting it done right the first time.
If you’d like to chat about any of our locksmith services or products, give us a call at 972-284-7500 today or visit one of our 10 DFW retail locations!
