The idea
- A service-call fee covers the technician travelling to you and assessing the job.
- It is usually separate from labour and parts.
What may be added
- Time of day.
- Distance and traffic.
- Parts and hardware.
- Extra keys.
What to ask
- Is the fee applied to the job?
- What is the likely range?
- What could change it?
Get it in writing
A text or email with the estimate is useful.
What you are paying for
A service-call fee normally covers dispatch, the technician's travel and the time to assess the problem. It does not always include labour for the repair or the cost of parts. Ask what is inside the fee before you agree, and whether it is credited toward the job.
Charges that may be added
After-hours work, difficult access, high-security hardware and replacement parts may cost extra. A trustworthy business explains these before starting, not after. If the price changes, ask for the reason in writing.
Keep a record
Ask for the fee and any range by text, and keep the invoice. If you decline the work after the technician arrives, you may owe the call-out fee, so ask about it in advance. See the quote checklist.
An example
If a technician arrives, sees that the lock can be opened without damage and does the work in a few minutes, the service call may be most of the bill. If the lock needs a new cylinder, parts and labour are added to the fee. If you decline after hearing the price, you may owe the call-out portion only. The point is that each part should be explained before it is charged, not on the invoice afterward.
Need a locksmith? See our emergency locksmith and pricing and process pages.