ChatGP was asked the question, Why are locksmiths expensive?
“Locksmiths often charge what may seem like high fees for a few reasons. First, their work requires specialized skills and knowledge, which they have acquired through training and experience. Additionally, locksmiths often need to invest in expensive tools and equipment to perform their work effectively and safely. Furthermore, the nature of their work often requires them to be available at all hours, which can contribute to higher service fees. It’s important to remember that while the cost of locksmith services may seem high, it reflects the value of the specialized skills and expertise they provide.” ChatGP
A very good and succinct answer, but maybe you are still unsure about locksmith prices?
Locksmith charges do vary, especially depending where you are in the country, London is always more expensive. They can also vary depending on the locksmith’s experience and skill set. National companies will be more expensive than local businesses as they have larger overheads and of course we have the rogues who try and bait you with low prices (£49.99) and then increase the cost dramatically. The Master Locksmiths Association has a very good guide to locksmith pricing on their website: MLA Locksmith Prices
But that doesn’t answer the question of why locksmiths are expensive?
Let’s take a closer look:
What are you paying for? There is something that is common across all trades – the misconception that the price you are quoted per hour is the amount that the tradesman/locksmith earns per hour. The associated costs of running a business need to come out of that money before the locksmith earns a wage. Here is a good video explaining the cost of running a small business in the U.K. by Andy Mac from the Small Business Toolbox
Specialisation: To work professionally and proficiently as a locksmith requires continued investment in training, accreditation, insurances, specialised tools and a comprehensive stock of the latest security products. The job requires locksmiths to know how to increase the security of your property to keep thieves out, but to also be able to gain entry to your property (non-destructively) when you are locked out.
Another aspect to take into account is the fact that locksmiths are itinerant, they spend a lot of time travelling from job to job – this time and expense (fuel, vehicle depreciation, maintenance and insurance etc) needs to be covered. If a locksmith charged comparative hourly rates to an employed on-site tradesman and only charged for the time that they where at your property, they would not be in business very long. Which begs the question…
Are locksmiths expensive, really?
Let’s compare the average hourly rates for other trades to locksmiths. These are the average going rates for 2023 according to checkatrade.com
Locksmith – £65 normal working hours, £100-120 out of normal working hours.
Plumber – £40-60 normal working hours, £100-120 out of normal working hours, £350 day rate.
Electrician – £50+ normal working hours, £90 out of normal working hours, £400 day rate.
Mobile Mechanic – £25-60 + £45-85 call out fee, £70-145 for the first hour
Handyman – £30 + £40-50 call out fee, about £80 for the first hour
Carpenter – £35-45 or £300 per day
Plasterer – £35-45 or £300 per day
Of course, these rates will vary across the country and according to specialisation, but as we can see, locksmiths are not expensive when compared to other itinerant trades. Especially if we take into account that most locksmiths do not charge a call out fee as other trades do. I think it is worth repeating Chat GP’s closing words, “It’s important to remember that while the cost of locksmith services may seem high, it reflects the value of the specialized skills and expertise they provide.”
The secret is to find a qualified locksmith that you can trust in your local area.
Andrew Wintringham, Abel Locksmiths – Oswestry, Wrexham, Ellesmere, Llangollen and surrounding areas