Between increasing crime rates and concerning economic outlooks, numerous security threats are pushing businesses to the walls. To make things easier for business owners, commercial locksmiths create a secure environment for customers, employees, and important documents. From duplicating keys to installing advanced systems, they offer various services that mitigate potential breaches to your business.
However, these services do not come free of charge. Being aware of the cost of commercial locksmith services and what goes behind them is crucial for any business owner. What better time to start learning than now? Read on to find out how much a commercial locksmith costs, and if you need one soon.
How Much Does a Commercial Locksmith Cost?
Residential locksmith services are generally more affordable compared to commercial locksmith services. This is because commercial locksmiths must provide greater security for business establishments. Not only that, but they offer a wider and more complicated array of services to fit business needs.
To know how much it costs to hire a commercial locksmith, business owners must first recognise the price of the services offered. Below is a list of common professional commercial locksmith prices, including some of their special services and installations.
- Lockouts: $100 to $550
- Lock Changes: $80 to $200
- Lock Rekeying: $50 to $250 (per lock)
- Key Duplication: $1 to $10 for standard keys
- Emergency/After-hours Service: $100 to $300 extra
- Access Control Systems: $500 to $4,000
- Master Key Systems: $500 to $10,000
- CCTV Installation: $100 to $3,000
- Fire Doors: $250 to $1,000
- Opening a Safe: $200 to $400
Average Cost of a Commercial Locksmith per Hour
In Australia, the average locksmith servicing costs ~$60 per hour. The amount may differ after accounting for factors that may have affected the service. Calling for a locksmith during business hours is the cheapest option of the bunch—only incurring $110. However, after-hours on a weekday may include additional fees. Locksmithing services during the weekend will set you back $150 to $200 and emergencies for $300.
Locksmiths in the United States cost around $100 to over $200 per hour. The rate also changes depending on certain factors. After-hour service and emergencies will also add fees to the total amount of the service.
Key Factors Influencing the Cost of Commercial Locksmith Services
Aside from the services, other external factors affecting the service behind the scenes are also accounted for. Understanding factors will guide business owners to the right financial decisions for their locksmithing concerns. Let’s get straight into it!
Type of Service Provided
To keep businesses safe and operational, these locksmiths offer simple and complicated commercial locksmith services for all establishments. They provide lockout services for doors, lock installation and upgrade, rekeying, key duplication, implementing access control systems, creating a master key system, providing safes and vaults, and many more. These services keep important people and valuables safe from all threats.
Difficulty of the Service
Though knowing what type of service is needed is the priority, managing how to do it safely and non-destructively is second. Commercial locksmiths work with high-technology locks like electronic locks and access systems, requiring them to use special tools and procedures known only by the professionals. They must also work around the state of your current prevention measures, meaning older equipment like damaged locks and safes require more time and labor.
For example, opening safes is another specialty of commercial locksmiths. Opening safes can range from $50 to hundreds of dollars. The amount will depend on certain factors such as what kind of safe it is, the nature of the locks, and the procedures for opening it. Business owners and commercial locksmiths would typically agree on picking the lock, making a code, drilling it, or opening it manually. This is what goes behind a commercial locksmith service. They don’t just loosen screws and take off locks, only to put them back on again. It’s an intricate profession that never cuts corners.
Schedule of Service
Locksmith services operate during regular business days, just like any business. Services during these hours are cheaper than services required after hours, on weekends, and holidays. However, there are additional fees when business owners require emergency or immediate locksmith services.
Location and Travel Rates
The location is an important factor in the cost of commercial locksmith services. Each area or state will charge differently from other locksmithing businesses, highlighting the importance of contacting a commercial locksmith near you.
The cost of a locksmith getting to and from the location will also be added to the total price of the service. An additional amount may be included if the locksmith encounters heavy traffic.
Specialised Locksmith Tools and Equipment
The more complicated the service is, the better the equipment must be. Locksmiths need specialised tools for specific services—ensuring the highest quality of work and guaranteeing the safety of your business. For example, installing control systems will require high-tech tools and extensive knowledge to make the most of the tool.
Miscellaneous Services
Miscellaneous services can come in the form of consultations and maintenance routines. Some locksmith businesses offer consultation and planning to assess your building and give other possible prevention measures for your business. Undergoing maintenance plans also come at a cost, but this service is vital to ensure your security systems are still up for the job.
Final Thoughts
As with all businesses, services come at a cost—and the locksmithing world is no exception. A pamphlet of service prices can only get you so far as that does not entail the total service price. A business owner must first understand the factors contributing to the cost of hiring commercial locksmiths.
With these, business owners are equipped with the necessary knowledge in case of an unfortunate emergency. Conclusively, most business owners can expect a minimum cost of $10 to $250 depending on the service required. However, they can also upgrade their security systems—upping the total to $500 to thousands of dollars. If you’re still figuring out the cost, call your local locksmiths and collect some pricing quotes to give yourself the upper hand as a business owner.
