So with it being summer or so I was led to believe, we seem to be busier then normal for this time of year. Normally people are away on holiday or on breaks away. So we have been kept on our toes.

I was contacted by a gentleman in Erith recently, he had seen me in my van and taken my details down. He had purchased a new home so was looking to have the locks changed and the security inspected to make sure it was safe, as well complying with his insurance requirements. I offered to come to his new home and give a free no-obligation quote.

The guy accepted so we arranged a time. We both met at the property. This is where the guy informed me he had seen me in a local petrol station and was impressed with the smart appearance and professional look we have. He said you don’t look like your typical jeans and trainer wearing tradesman with a bashed up van with a windscreen full of papers and rubbish.

I always make a point of asking people how they find us. So we know how and what means they used. Any how we came to the front door which was a nice heavy looking wooden door. This was fitted with a rim cylinder and a deadlock. Once inside it was apparent that a poorly fitted night latch, of poor quality. There was also a 3 lever deadlock. These are not insurance approved and neither do they offer great security. My advice was to fit a Yale bs night latch. This is a nice heavy and quality looking lock. To go with this I suggested at least one Bs deadlock or two if your budget allows and key them alike so that one key operates both.

We checked the back door and that again was a wooden door, with a sash lock fitted. I advised fitting a Bs sashlock and also adding rack bolts to the top and bottom of door. These normally if fitted correctly can only be opened from inside with a star type key. I checked the windows and these were all upvc but the handles were a bit mix and matched. Some windows had no keys and couldn’t be opened. I advised maybe replacing all the handles. That way one key would operate them all and would also lift the look of the windows.

I left my quote with the guy and said this will be the price you pay. Nothing more would be added unless they required anything else further. The guy said he would get back in touch.

Two days later I was called and told to proceed with the job. He had obtained a further 2 quotes. One of which was £115 more then mine the other was £60 cheaper. The reason I was chosen I was informed was purely the fact I was more professional. I wasn’t pushy, and I was clear and broke the quote down so they knew exactly what they was paying for. I also gave them options so they had the choice.