Every industry has its professional associations. These groups are a way to show the general public that their members have backing and support from fellow professionals. In turn, this gives the public peace of mind when hiring one of their members.
When you have to get a filling for a cavity, for example, don’t you feel better knowing your dentist is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA)?
Locksmithing is no different. Professional associations like Safe & Vault Technicians (SAVTA), Texas Locksmiths Association and ALOA Security Professionals have strict requirements for membership. Here’s why it matters that your locksmith company is a member of one or more of these groups.
What Are Professional Locksmith Associations?
Professional locksmith associations are industry-recognized groups comprised of professional locksmiths (or those who provide professional locksmith products and services). These associations have strict standards for membership—and different levels of membership as well. There are quite a few locksmith associations out there, from those with a national focus to those with a regional or local focus. For example, ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) is a national group, while the Texas Locksmiths Association is limited to locksmiths in Texas.
What Do These Associations Do?
These associations provide more than just a certificate a locksmith can hang on the wall or a badge for their website. Membership includes several benefits that help locksmiths increase or maintain their credibility, such as:
- Networking: Locksmiths get to share knowledge, tips and tricks to improve their business at conferences and other events.
- Law updates: Laws often change (especially at the state level) and these associations help their members stay updated on the latest codes and regulations.
- Continuing education: Most associations require their members to maintain their membership with continuing education courses related to locksmithing.
In addition to these, certain associations may have their own perks, such as a magazine publication or smartphone app. These all help locksmiths with their professional ability.
Why Do These Associations Matter?
To put it plainly, membership in a professional locksmith association means that the locksmith knows what he or she is doing. There are plenty of individuals out there who will provide locksmithing services, yet aren’t licensed or members of any association. There’s no guarantee these people will fix your problem or provide satisfactory service. When you hire a locksmith or locksmith company that is a member of one or more professional locksmith associations, on the other hand, you can have peace of mind that they’re updated on the latest industry standards and that you’ll be receiving quality services from them.
If you’re in need of locksmithing services, trust a team that’s part of several professional locksmith associations. Give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500!
