Why we quote on the phone first
A locked door is a bad moment to negotiate. So we do it the other way around: you tell us what is going on, we tell you the price, and only then does anyone drive out. The Minnesota Attorney General's Office recommends exactly this. Its consumer brochure on locksmiths tells people to get a detailed estimate, and for cars, one based on the year, make and model.
What changes the price
| What affects it | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The type of job | Opening a lock, replacing a deadbolt and programming a car key are different amounts of work and parts. |
| The lock or the vehicle | A standard deadbolt is not a high-security lock. A basic cut key is not a programmed transponder key. |
| How many locks | Each extra door adds parts and time. |
| Parts | New deadbolts, key blanks and transponder chips are priced into what we quote. |
| Time of day | Some late-night jobs cost more. If so, you hear it in the price on the phone. |
| Where you are | We cover Minneapolis, St. Paul and nearby suburbs. Distance can play a part for the outer edges. |
How to get an accurate price in one call
Have these ready when you call 763-600-3529:
- Your address or where the car is. Cross streets or a parking ramp level is fine.
- For a lockout: house or car, and whether any keys are inside.
- For car keys: year, make and model, whether you have any working key, and if the car is push-to-start.
- For deadbolts: the brand if you know it (Schlage, Kwikset and so on), how many doors, and whether you already have the new hardware.
- A photo helps. Text us a picture of the lock or key and we can often quote it exactly.
What you will never get from us
- A low "service call" price on the phone that triples when the van shows up
- Drilling a lock that can be opened another way
- A blank work order to sign
- A bill without our business name on it
If a locksmith does any of those, the Attorney General's Office suggests reporting it to your local police department or county sheriff's office.
Questions
Is the phone estimate really free?
Yes. Calling for a price costs nothing and does not commit you to anything. Call or text 763-600-3529.
Why can't you list one price for every job?
Because the same words cover very different jobs. "Locked out of my car" can mean a quick unlock, or a lost key that has to be cut and programmed to the car. A real price needs a few details, which is why we ask before quoting.
Does it cost more at night or on weekends?
Some jobs cost more late at night. When that applies, it is part of the price we give you on the phone, before we come.
Do you give receipts?
Yes. You get an itemized receipt with our business name, S.O.S Locksmith Solution LLC, and what each part of the job cost.