HOUDINI LOCK AND SAFE

This was the absolute worst experience I had. My appointment was set for 1 PM and they didn't show up until 4:30 PM. By the time he got here, we were told he could not rekey what we had, and would need to buy new ones. He was also disturbed we had an August Lock that would work with a lot of different locks and keep our key. We told him that this was important for us to have because of the convenience, security, and the ability to walk up to the door without having to type in a code or use a key to unlock the door. He told us that they didn't have Schlage, Kwikset, or another popular brand and the one that would work was an Arrow lock. After all was said and done, 4 door handles and 4 deadbolts with labor was $1800. This was not what I wanted to pay, nor was it something I think I was informed about when I asked for a price from the beginning and he kept selling me on locks that I didn't want to know about. I was also insulted by my choice in doorbell and told it was "not a good choice" because the doorbell system they had was the best (at $1000 installed AND I would have to be home to see the person on the monitor instead of having my smart phone with me and being able to answer the door and see who is there). If this is the practice this company takes with every company, I suggest to not walk, but run to another locksmith and someone who won't rob you and install the most expensive lockset. Creating fear that locks other than what they sold as not safe enough from intruders is not what I liked to hear nor is it something people will respond to. I will NEVER do business with this company again and I recommend anyone considering this company to look at someone else.

It was real expensive. They came right away and worked on it right away. We were locked out at that time so that was more important than the cost. We would have given them an A if they were a little cheaper. We actually need a new door and we were thinking contacting them as well for the new lock.

I had a negative experience with this company about 4 years ago. I was looking for a safe for my home. The salesperson was put off by me being there, was arrogant not helpful at all. I found their prices to be ridiculous to the point that I felt he was making them up to get me out of the shop. He made no point to tell me why their products would justify the price. So, recently I needed to get new locks for my front and garage doors. Houdini is right down the street, so I thought I would give them another shot. (I try to support local businesses as much as possible!). Unfortunately, nothing has changed. Very arrogant and unhelpful. The cheapest they could install two doorknobs and a deadbolt was in the range of $700 minimum. The salesperson made it a point to tell me there would be a substantial service charge. When I asked if I could have one key to do all of the locks, I received an exasperated..."that's going to be even more!" He made me feel like I was asking for something very unusual. So, I promptly made my way to Home Depot, where the salesperson went out of his way to help me. I bought 2 Kwikset systems that I could rekey myself, so all locks have 1 key. I changed the locks myself in an hour. Total cost $100. I will never waste my time in this store again.

This was emergence service, responded in one hour, the charge for the service call was $167.80 and to open the door which was stuck was $35. I am very concerned about the charge for the service call; I feel that this is entirely too much and wish to advise people considering using this company to be aware of being over charged.

We only had one negative experience with Houdini. We were in an emergency and they damaged our front door to let us into our house and failed to take responsibility for it. We did use them more recently to replace the locks on our home and make us new keys. They are punctual and come out immediately and they do have good communication skills. Their prices are very fair and in general, I would say we are talking about a B plus level company I would say.

Over all, I found them to be arrogant and not helpful. I would also question their abilities. They only take cash, surcharge 10% for credit cards (legal?), and take no checks. I asked them to repair an older Yale mortise lock, it took two trips and no results, but certainly charges totaling more than $300 for house calls. I talked to management, and they told me my only choice was to replace the lock, expensive and not necessary. Rittenhouse Hardware told me to go to West Philly Locksmiths, they didn't like Houdini either. West Philly Locksmiths promptly figured out the problem and fixed it for a $100 house call. They were so much more knowledgeable. Note: I have restored 7 buildings, and know a bit about locks and hardware.