1st post.

Hello from Brad's Safe and Lock, Service, Inc.

This is the first time I am writing on my blog. I have 3 blogs, and I find it is hard to keep up with. At least it is for me.

I have been following a discussion on LinkedIn about phony locksmiths or scam locksmiths. The discussion had over 200 posts and got quite heated. This trade used to be one of honesty and integrity. The phony locksmith has hurt our trade. After talking with several hundred people about this subject, I learned that it is happening in all trades. With the economy the way it is and  "human being" characteristics. Companies now a days just want your money and will do as little as possible. They will spend as little as possible on materials and the quality of materials they use. They will simply rip you off.

It's a shame, but I to find myself looking harder and spending more time in researching the person or company for the task at hand. I ask people for recommendations for companies that they have used in the past. I receive good and bad. But the result of getting an unqualified or bad contractor is less. Today it seems harder to find qualified people that offer good work and a fair price and  stand behind what they do.

To give an example, actually 2 of them. A man called me today and said his truck was stranded in Westminster Maryland. I do live close enough to help him. But instead of responding and getting a quick "after hours price" for helping him, I gave my usual customer service. I asked him if he would be interested in helping himself and waiting for normal pricing. He responded "heck yeah". The problem he is having requires a little tap and he's on his way. But I assured him that this problem would happen again and he needs to replace a part. He just called and thanked me and scheduled an appointment during normal business hours.
Another situation that happened, happens at least once a week. A lady had forgot how to run her combination to her safe. She thought the safe was broke and needed to be broken into to open the safe. She new the combination but was turning the dial in the incorrect format. Helping them in this situation is a little tricky, but I am good at settling them down and getting them to listen. After 1 minute on the phone her safe was open and she learned her mistake.
I know of to many people who wouldn't help and go and take the money. I'm not a Saint, but I do offer to help. If they want me to come and help them, and sometimes they do, I will. No complaints and no over charging.
This type of honesty and integrity is hard to find in service people. Let's face it, customer service is a thing of the past. I am feeling really old, angry, and just plain worn out. My pocket book is not what it's about for me. And one might think I am losing money when actually I am gaining customers and money in the long run. I see the big picture. Wanting it quick and easy, to me, is the costly and the wrong way to do business and treat people in general.
      I hope you find good and qualified people to do your tasks. I hope you find peace and treat people the way you want to be treated.