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Keys Plus Locksmiths

Locksmiths in Longview and Kelso Washington

FAQs

In order of most frequently asked

Expand If I provide my own vehicle chipped key/fob/remote, will you cut and program it for me?

Even though this makes a lot of people mad at us to the point of leaving a bad review, this is not a service that we practice, no, and have never claimed or advertised that we do. In the past we have given into pressure and attempted them. Most of the time it went well, however, too many times now a customer has provided us a remote to program that ended up being defective so that it will not program. Our customer then is out a programming fee for our time attempting it and the fee our software charges for each attempt and ultimately no working key. In some rare cases, the vehicle’s antitheft system has been triggered by these defective keys causing all other already programmed and working keys to be erased and the car immobilized leaving our customer stranded and having to have their car towed to a dealership to reset it.

We get our blanks factory direct and we guarantee them and there is no additional fee to program them.
With all that being said, we will in some instances attempt to program a customer provided remote if the following criteria are met:
The customer purchased it from a legitimate source like factory direct or the auto dealership. (NOT EBAY - those are the worst offenders)
The customer signs a waiver that we are not responsible if the attempt fails or damage is done to the vehicle as a result of the defective device.
The customer pays us the programming fee regardless if the provided key/fob/remote successfully programs or not.

Expand Why aren’t you open on the weekends?

In order to attract and retain talent and be a competitive employer, offering weekends off to our staff is a major perk. We are also closed on most major holidays, and no one works before 8:00 or after 5:30.

Expand Why don’t you have emergency hours?

We simply do not have the staff to offer it reliably. Most emergency locksmith situations are lockouts, in which case a tow truck company can usually help with that or locksmiths in the area who specialize in lockouts.

Expand I’m locked out of my house/car/business, but you’re closed, what do I do?

Get somewhere safe. Google ‘locksmiths’ and see who else may be able to help you. Sometimes tow truck companies can assist. When we open, give us a call to learn about ways to never be locked out again.

Expand How much does it cost to program a key/fob/remote?

We do not charge for programming so long as the device is purchased from us.

Expand Do I need to bring my car with me to have my key/fob/remote programmed?

Yes, or we can come to you with a service call fee. We have equipment that we plug into your vehicle’s on-board computer to ‘talk’ to your vehicle.

Expand Why are you so expensive?

Our prices are competitive. We aren’t the cheapest, but we’re the best. We carry licenses and certifications even though they are not mandatory for the industry in Washington State. We have them anyway for your peace of mind. We are also fully insured and bonded, and guarantee or work. Our techs have squeaky clean backgrounds. They are paid a wage they can support themselves on, including health and dental insurance, retirement contribution matches, and paid vacation. This makes them happy, contributing members to society which strengthens the local economy. This is why you should choose us.

Expand I’ve lost all the keys to my vehicle, can you make me a key?

Most likely, yes! Some auto manufacturers keep their key technology proprietary, and so your only option is taking it to the dealership. However, we can do most.

Expand What is your service area?

It keeps growing. Currently we service as far north as Olympia, as far east as Cougar, as far south as Ridgefield, and as far west as the Pacific Ocean. If you are outside that general area and are having trouble getting locksmith services, we feel you, we want to help, so give us a call and let us see what we can figure out.

Expand Where exactly are you located?

2025 9th Ave in Longview. That’s between Washington Way and Ocean Beach Hwy. We are neighbors to the car wash and Triangle Bowl.

Expand What are your hours?

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Expand Why are you so much cheaper than the dealership for keys?

Car dealerships charge extraordinarily higher for their key/fob/remote cutting and programming services simply because they don’t really want to do them. But we do! We will beat their price every time!

Expand Is your work guaranteed?

Yes, with the exception of key-by-code. We are depend on the information the customer gives us to cut those keys. If the information is off, even by a little bit, the key will not be cut properly. Every other service and product we sell is guaranteed.

Expand I am a DIY-er. Can I buy lock parts or equipment from you?

No. We are a service-based company. Please visit a hardware store for the items you need.

Expand Will you install or key-up locks that I didn’t buy from you?

Yes, but we can’t guarantee the hardware. You’ll pay us just for the install and keying labor.

Expand Do I need to make an appointment?

We recommend appointments for programming but otherwise, no appointment needed.

Expand How long does it take to get a key made?

Under a minute in most cases. For programming or more complex keys like sidewinder keys or tubular keys, please allow 15 minutes tops.

Expand I have an escalated issue, who do I contact?

We have an assistant manager, who answers to a shop manager, who answers to the shop owner. The shop owner is not on the premises and can be emailed only at [email protected].

Please see staff page for current staff positions and titles as well as emails.

Expand I have a compliment, who is the best person to pass that on to?

The shop owner, Tabitha. Please email her at [email protected] or go ahead and leave us a review online. You will be contacted. Thank you!

Expand How do I apply to work at Keys Plus?

Send your resume via email to [email protected].

Expand How do I become a locksmith?

Locksmithing is almost always done via an apprenticeship path. A Locksmith Apprentice works under a Master Locksmith for a minimum of 2 years, and must demonstrate their skill before claiming the title of a Locksmith. Some states require special locksmith specific licenses, but Washington State does not.

Expand How do you vet your locksmiths?

Our locksmiths are put through a criminal background check upon hire. Any locksmith already employed by us that commits a felony will be immediately separated from the company. Our locksmiths undergo a 2 year apprenticeship program, demonstrate their skill, before they are given a ‘Locksmith’ title.

Expand Are pets allowed inside the shop?

Polite dogs on leash, yes.

Expand Are you family owned?

Keys Plus was founded by Russ Rak in 1982. Russ died in 2012 and left Keys Plus to his daughter, Tabitha, who is the current owner. All other employees are not family by blood, but may as well be. Read about our history here and our awesome staff here.

Expand I’ve got a business proposition for Keys Plus, who do I need to talk to?

The only person who is authorized to make any significant decision is the shop owner, Tabitha. Please email her at [email protected] or call the shop and enter option 3 to leave a voice message. Better luck with email though.

Expand What does it mean to be ‘Woman Owned’ and why does that matter?

Community projects that are working with state or federal funds will receive tax incentives for using companies that are woman owned, minority owned, veteran owned, or are considered a disadvantaged business. You can verify our certification status on the OMWBE’s Certified Business Directory.

Expand What does it mean that you’re licensed, bonded, and insured?

We have a business license, we are licensed contractors, and bonded through Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, which you can verify on their website.

We are insured through a private insurance company for damages we may cause, including dishonest employee coverage.

Expand Do you have on-site parking?

We have a wonderful parking lot with several spaces!

Expand Can I buy that big huge antique safe on display inside your shop?

It is not for sale. We REALLY like it. It has sentimental value. But we’ll let it go for $1,000,000.00. ;)

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ALOA Member Number 64667

Washington State Office Minority & Women's Owned Business Enterprises Approved

Washington State Office Minority & Women's Owned Business Enterprises Approved
Monday through Friday
Friday 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.

After-hour premium applies

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

360-423-4443

2025 9th Ave, Ste 110, Longview, WA 98632 • Between Ocean Beach Hwy and Washington Way
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