Associated Locksmiths of America Fair Trade Locksmith Definition

Primary (Qualifying) Criteria

Only advertises address they have an affiliation with under the following conditions:

1. A walk-in location
2. A dispatch or corporate location
3. A P.O. Box used to represent the locksmith company for official company correspondence.
4. A residence address at which a locksmith lives or resides used as a corporate office.

Note: A locksmith using a false address to fool the consumer into believing such business is located nearby will not be considered as a fair trade locksmith. In fact, this practice is illegal and all efforts will be taken to remove the listing from all search engines, Internet, and print directories, the owners fined, and the issuing telephone company forced to disconnect the number. This tactic is illegal and violates the Telco Company’s terms of use, code of conduct, as well as state and federal laws. Locksmith listings which use this predatory practice to fool the consumer into using them many times also use a bait and switch scam to overcharge quoted prices, thus gouging the consumer.

Secondary (Qualifying) Criteria – may be used if unclear status from primary criteria

• A Fair Trade Locksmith follows the Associated Locksmiths of America Code of Ethics.
• A Fair Trade Locksmith abides by all federal, state and local laws required by that locksmith business.
• A Fair Trade Locksmith holds all current state or local licenses and any related business registrations.
• A Fair Trade Locksmith business name be must properly registered with all state, municipal and/or county agencies.
• A Fair Trade Locksmith pays all federal, state and local taxes including state sales tax (if required).
• A Fair Trade Locksmith hires employees in accordance with state guidelines.