How Much Should You Tip a Locksmith? 

There are certain things a locksmith can do to your home and your family that you might not otherwise expect. For instance, a locksmith can replace a lost key or install a new lock. Locksmiths also protect your home from thieves and burglars. And if you happen to be locked out of your house in the middle of the night, a good locksmith can get you back inside. 

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In fact, if you do happen to need to hire a locksmith, tipping them might be the smartest move you make. It’s a simple, but effective way to let them know you appreciate their work. However, you might not want to give out a whole lot of cash. A ten dollar tip is probably more than enough to cover the cost of a basic service. If you have a little more to spare, you can always tip more. 

The amount of money you tip your locksmith depends on several factors. Your budget, the type of work they are doing and the quality of service are just a few. Also, some locksmiths charge higher fees than others. You can find out how much you are likely to pay before you call. 

One of the best ways to show your appreciation is to give them a gift card. Many business people like to hear positive word-of-mouth and a gift card can go a long way towards spreading the good news. 

Another option is to leave them a check. Tip them with a check that is equal to or less than the amount of time they spent working on your house. Or if you can’t carry around a big chunk of cash, a credit card is a more streamlined solution. This is especially true if you live in a city where cash is scarce. 

To be sure, you shouldn’t assume that tipping a locksmith is a requirement. In fact, some professional locksmiths are surprised when asked. They are used to earning the bulk of their income from their services. Plus, they aren’t expecting tips. 

A good locksmith might even offer to save you from the cops if they believe you’re being burgled. However, if you’re not willing to pay a locksmith a buck or two, you may be replacing stolen goods or worse, paying for the entire door to be replaced. Thankfully, a great locksmith is well worth the investment. So, take some time to choose a reputable company. 

You’ll also want to be sure to ask about the tip rates before you get started. Some locksmiths are more than happy to work for less, while others will charge more than you’re willing to pay. Always be courteous and be upfront when you need to give a tip. Even a twenty dollar tip is a nice gesture, especially if you were stranded outside of your home in the middle of the night. 

Finally, you should also keep in mind that some businesses don’t allow tips to be taken. This isn’t the case for every company, so it’s important to ask.