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Car key quote builder

Pick the key type and whether it's a spare or all keys lost, add the extras, and get a price range from your own numbers. It also lists what to ask the caller before you quote.

The job

Plain head with a chip the car must learn.

mi

Quote range

Tell the caller

$243–$403

From the example prices. Put in your own below.

How the quote adds up
Transponder (chip) key, all keys lost$175–$275
1 extra key$60–$120
Travel, 4 mi past the first 10$8
  • All keys lost on a chip key: confirm in your programming tool that you can add a key with none present before you give the price.

This is not a vehicle lookup. Check the key, blade and chip for this car in your programming tool or supplier catalog before you confirm the price.

Ask the caller first

  1. 1.What's the year, make and model?Key type, blade and chip depend on all three. Look them up in your programming tool or supplier catalog.
  2. 2.Can you read me the VIN?It's on the dash at the windshield and on the driver's door jamb. It settles trim and build date, and some key codes need it.
  3. 3.Is it push to start, or do you turn a key?Push to start means a smart or proximity key, the priciest kind.
  4. 4.Do you have a working key, or are all keys lost?All keys lost usually means originating a key and more programming time.
  5. 5.How many keys do you want?Extra keys made at the same visit cost you less time than a second trip.
  6. 6.Can you show the registration or title and a photo ID with the same name?Proof of ownership before you cut or program anything.
  7. 7.Where is the car, and is it locked?Address, parking garage or street, and whether you also need to open it.

Your prices

Example values, not market rates
Basic mechanical key
$
$
$
$
Transponder (chip) key
$
$
$
$
Remote head key
$
$
$
$
Smart or proximity key
$
$
$
$
High-security or laser cut
$
$
$
$
Flip key
$
$
$
$
Add-ons
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
mi
$

Add your car key prices by make, model and year in LockCommand, and the AI receptionist quotes them to callers from your price book.

Add car prices in LockCommand

How to use it

Car key calls are where a quote goes wrong fastest. A caller says "just a key" and it turns out to be a push-to-start fob with every key lost. This tool keeps the quote tied to two facts you can get on the phone, the kind of key and whether a working key is on hand, and to your own prices for each.

This is not a vehicle lookup

The tool doesn't know which key, blade or chip a 2017 Accord takes. That data is licensed and changes every model year. Look the car up in your programming tool or your supplier's catalog, then come back and pick the key type that matches. If the tool can't program that car, don't quote it.

How to use it

  1. Put your prices in under "Your prices". The tool opens with example numbers so it shows a result straight away. They are placeholders, not market rates, and the quote says so until you change one.
  2. Ask the questions in the list. Year, make, model and VIN tell you the key. Push to start or turn key tells you if it's a smart key.
  3. Pick the key type and the situation, then the extras: how many keys, extra remotes, after hours and the miles to the car.
  4. Read the range to the caller, and say the tech confirms the final price once they see the car.

How the range adds up

The base price comes from your table for that key type and situation. Each key past the first adds your extra key price. Programming is added only if you charge it separately; leave it off when your key prices already include it. Remotes, after hours and travel add on top. Travel counts only the miles past your free miles, one way.

A worked example

With the example prices: a smart key, all keys lost, two keys wanted, one extra remote, after hours, 18 miles out with the first 10 free at $2 a mile.

LineLowHigh
Smart key, all keys lost$300$500
1 extra key$60$120
1 extra remote$60$120
After hours$50$100
Travel, 8 miles at $2$16$16
Quote$486$856

Swap in your own prices and the same job gives your real range.

Before you cut or program anything

Ask for proof of ownership: the registration or title, and a photo ID with the same name. Some states set rules for locksmiths making car keys, so check yours, and keep a record of what you saw on every job.

Questions

Does this tool know which key my customer's car takes?
No. It isn't a vehicle lookup. Check the key, blade and chip in your programming tool or your supplier's catalog, then choose the matching key type here.
Are the example prices what locksmiths charge?
No. They are placeholders so the tool shows a result when it opens. Replace them with your own prices before you quote anyone.
Should programming be a separate line?
That's your call. Many shops fold it into the key price. If you charge it separately, set a programming price and turn on the toggle for chip keys.
Why does all keys lost cost more?
Without a working key you usually have to originate a key from the code or the lock and program it with no key present, which takes more time and sometimes more equipment.
Is anything I type saved?
No. Prices and quotes stay in your browser and are gone when you close the page.

More for your shop

Let LockCommand do this on every job

The AI receptionist quotes from your price book, books the job and texts the customer. Create your account and set up your shop in a few minutes.

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