Dependable Locks Inc. Overcharged/Not Dependable Clearwater Florida
I will NEVER use Dependable Locks Inc again. I locked my keys in the car on 1/15/2009 while at work. In a major panic I went online to find someone to help me. Service Magic sent me a contact in Creve Coeur, MO who provided me with a bid of $65; however it was going to take him 45 minutes to an hour to reach me so I told him I would rather find someone local who would get here quicker. This was not a smart decision on my part.
I contacted Dependable Locks Inc., who clearly had a local St. Louis phone number close to where I was located. They told me it would be about 30 minutes. I waited 15 minutes at work and then walked to my car which took about 10 minutes. After standing in the frigid temperatures for a while, my cell phone rang and it was the locksmith calling to confirm I wanted my car unlocked. I told him yes and he said it will be about 30 to 40 minutes. I could not believe it, but what could I do at this point. Finally, after standing for awhile longer, my phone rang again and a different gentlemen called to tell me that the other driver had a problem with his car and now he would be assisting me. He said I will be there is 30 miniutes OR SO. Needless to say it was OR SO.
When he finally arrived, he wanted to know how I was going to pay for this. I said with a check and he said we do not take checks; we either take CASH or they might take your credit card. And I said, well hopefully they will take my credit card how much is it? It will be $39 for the service call and $140 to unlock your door. By this time, there was not much else I could do but sign the form that I would pay.
After he unlocked the door I gave him my credit card. He came back to the car and said this is probably going to take a while because the lines are so busy, do you want me to follow you to your ATM. I answered no I wait. By this time I am really worrying about these people.
I had locked my keys in the car in June of 2008 and the charge was $68 so with this charge and the quote from service magic last night of $65 I was thinking the average price would have to be less then $100. NO their cost was $179.00 to unlock my car.
After reviewing these people on line further and all of the complaints people have given them, how in the world are these peope still in business? I can't imagine that someone from the Better Business Bureau doesn't get more involved with these people and shut them down.
Kim
Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois
U.S.A.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Anonymous.
CLEARWATER,Florida,
U.S.A.
The ATTY GENERAL OF ST LOUIS IS INVESTIGATING THEM
#5UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, April 28, 2009
call or go on line the atty general has posting for a contact number for you to file a report -
Flynrider
Phoeix,Arizona,
U.S.A.
What was illegal?
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, April 21, 2009
Kim's story was that she called this locksmith and (without asking about the charge) had someone dispatched to her location. When the locksmith got there, he told her what it would cost beforehand and she agreed to it.
Her complaint may be that this particular locksmith charges more than some others, but I don't think that's against the law. Macy's charges more than Walmart. I don't hear anyone calling the attorney general about that.
Maybe Kim should have inquired about pricing before choosing a locksmith.
Mike
Bridgeview,Illinois,
U.S.A.
To Kim who was in my opinion conned out of hard earned money.
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, April 21, 2009
Kim , I have noticed that you are listed in Illionois. Was the work performed in Illionois? If so you need to file a complaint with the Illinois department of Financial and professional regulation. They are on the web. You can also file a complaint with the illinois attorney general. I would suggest filing a complaint with both.
If it was done in missourri the attorney generals office has just filed charges against dependable and is looking for more victims.
Either way file a complaint with the authoritys. This is happening all over the nation by Israeli nationals who open these nationwide locksmith companys and cheat people.
File a complaint.
To the dependable employee. NICE TRY! You can spin it anyway you like but the BBB has Issued a nationwide Warning. It appears dependable is well known as a ripoff company.
Becka
Clearwater,Florida,
U.S.A.
ever put yourself in the shoes of a locksmith?
#5UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, April 11, 2009
Does anyone stop to think about what locksmiths go thru out there? i used to work for this company. They are a very good company giving alot of people jobs in a time where people are jobless.
What if you was a technician? Things do happen when you are on the road going from job to job.... car problem, flat tires, etc. So it might take a little longer than expected. Who now a days takes a check from someone locked out of there car and has no real address to be able to go and collect the money if the check is bad? Why would you? No one stops and thinks about the technician.... he has to deal with the weather, rude people,etc.
So what if he wants you to go to the ATM. He did a job for you and now wants payment.. if he wanted to rob you Im sure he wouldnt follow you to a place with cameras.... he just wants paid!
If he called into the company to call in the credit card and its busy that should give you a good feeling that he works for reputabble place that has business. Everyone now a days is so liery of people. You needed help and he helped you.. stop complaining and pay the man.. CAN YOU OPEN THE DOOR? no!!
Just like if your furnace went out on the weekend and you needed a furnace repair guy to come out you still have to pay for the service call, why should they be any different? they have to take there time and come to asses your situatin and give you the best price( cheapest, fastest, safest way to get you in your car) JUST like a repair man. They cant give you a exact price over phone, he dosent know what is wrong, what damage you might of caused before he got there. The professional has to see whats needed in the job before giving you a exact price over phone. They give you an estimate but it says "and up". Because they are not the professional.
Also, Why should it matter how long it takes to get you in the car? 2 minutes and he made 179.00!! Is there a law that says you can only charge a certain fee if your done within an 30 minute time frame??? you would complain if he took hours to get you in the car.. what would make you happier if a technician got there and took two hours and then charged you 179? NO then you would complain that he is not a professional.
Some times people get so caught up they dont take time to think. Yes they understand your upset about being locked out but this is there job.
please take time to understand someone elses views if it was your money/job.