Locksmith quote template agreed before drilling

What a locksmith quotation should list

This locksmith quote template prices residential and commercial lock work line by line: the call out, each cylinder rekeyed, hardware supplied, fitting labor and cut keys. The sample rekeys four exterior locks after a move and fits a grade 2 deadbolt on the back door. Load it into the free quote maker, change the counts, and send the customer a PDF before you pick up a drill.

Locksmith customers often call in a hurry and worry about surprise charges. A written quote that separates the call out fee, the per cylinder rate, hardware and keys removes that worry, and it gives you a record that the customer approved the work before you touched the door.

1. Call out or service feeThe trip charge, and whether after hours, weekend or emergency rates apply. Tell the customer the figure on the phone if you can.
2. Rekey per cylinderA rate for each cylinder, the keyway it uses, and whether every lock will run on one new key.
3. Hardware by gradeDeadbolts, knobs, levers or smart locks by brand and ANSI/BHMA grade, so a grade 2 deadbolt is never compared with a grade 3 one.
4. Fitting laborFitting a lock to an existing door prep, or boring and mortising a new hole, which takes much longer.
5. KeysHow many keys are cut, and whether any are restricted or high security keys that need an ID card to duplicate.
6. Master key systemsFor businesses: the key chart, the number of cylinders at each level, and the keys issued to each person or role.
7. Lockout termsFor lockouts, a line saying you will check proof of residence or ownership before opening anything.
8. ExclusionsDoor repairs, frame reinforcement and wiring for electric strikes, unless they are priced on the quote.

Sample locksmith quotation: move in rekey

The sample is a move in job for a homeowner: one call out visit, four exterior cylinders rekeyed to a new key, a grade 2 deadbolt supplied and fitted on the back door, and six extra keys. Labor and materials lines alternate in the order the work happens. There is no deposit or optional line, and the subtotal is $372 before tax. Use your own rates; these are examples.

Edit the Keyline Locksmiths quote

5 lines are filled in, from call out to extra keys. Put in your own locksmith rates, then download the PDF.

Open the locksmith sample

How locksmiths price their work

Locksmiths usually charge a call out fee plus a set price per task, such as per cylinder rekeyed or per lock fitted, with hardware and keys added. After hours calls carry a higher call out. Commercial jobs such as master key systems are priced per cylinder and per key.

1. Call out plus per taskA fixed trip charge, then a price for each rekey, lock fit or key. Clear for customers and quick to write up in the van.
2. HourlyTime on site at an hourly rate, usually with a one hour minimum, for lock repairs, door adjustments or difficult entry work.
3. Hardware supplied and fittedOne price per lock including hardware and labor. Works well for deadbolt and smart lock installs where the customer picks from a short list.
4. Commercial master keyingPrice per cylinder, per key level and per key, plus the key chart and records. Quote the whole building in one document.

Price hardware with a markup that covers carrying stock in the van and handling warranty returns. Check the margin with the markup calculator, and keep a price list of your standard tasks for phone inquiries.

Worked example: rekey versus replace on four doors

Customers moving into a house often ask whether to rekey or buy new locks. Pricing both side by side settles it quickly. The rates are examples from the sample.

1. Rekey optionFour cylinders at $28 each = $112, plus the $75 call out and six keys at $5 = $30: $217 before tax.
2. Replace optionFour new keyed alike deadbolts at $85 = $340, fitting at $70 each = $280, plus the call out: $695.
3. CompareRekeying saves the customer $695 minus $217 = $478 when the existing locks are in good shape.
4. The sample’s mixThe sample rekeys the four cylinders and adds one new deadbolt where there was none: $217 + $85 + $70 = $372.
5. Match the new deadboltPin the new deadbolt to the same key while you are there, so the customer carries one key for every door.

Worn or very cheap locks may not be worth rekeying. High security cylinders, restricted keys and after hours call outs all change the figures.

Locksmith job inclusions and exclusions

Locksmith quote mistakes

• Giving a low phone price without the call out fee, then adding it at the door and losing the customer’s trust.
• Not checking the keyway brand before quoting a rekey, then finding you need a different pin kit or cylinder.
• Quoting a deadbolt fit without checking door thickness and backset.
• Forgetting to price extra keys, which many customers want once the rekey is done.
• Opening a door on a lockout without noting proof of residence on the job record.
• Skipping a written quote on commercial work, then arguing about the number of cylinders afterward.