Great service, helpful and efficient. I always get my keys done here because they always WORK! Then I poke around and find something useful to pick up for the house. Main Street is fortunate to have this business. read more

Pleasant and efficient service! For some reason, none of the locks I purchased from the Big Box outlets would fit my front door. And after going through a few brands, I realized they misfit the door in the same way -- which meant the dimensions were standardized and that I was working with an older door. More specifically an older (brass) wraparound... I realized it was the wraparound when I removed the component and held the lock -- fully assembled in the the door, with my hands. The components worked perfectly! I thought about contacting metal working companies, in search of a custom kick plate or push plate (I thought it was called at the time) and so I did: I called Rayco Metal Finishing, located in Middletown CT, and explained I needed what I believed was a custom brass push plate. After they realized it was a surround for a door, they correctly referred me to a lock smith. My money fears were immediately aroused. I imagined spending $300-$500 on a locksmith to come in and resolve the problem -- on top of the $100 I had already spent for the locks. On 21.12.2018 at 0930 AM I contacted a sales associate by phone, in regards to a replacement wraparound I needed for my door. He explained the component was called a wraparound and that I should take a plethora of pictures and come in to the store. In my mind, I feared his services would cost over $100... When I arrived, toting the old wraparound, along with 5-7 pictures on my phone, he recommended a brass wraparound he had on-hand and charged me $25 for it. He informed me that we could go custom later if nothing in the store was suitable. When I tried the wraparound on the door with the new locks in place it fit perfectly. Wow! I immediately ran to my phone and posted a review. 5/5 read more

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I believe word-of-mouth advertising spread by happy customers-- even those who intended to procure goods or services but ultimately didn't (for whatever reason)-- is the best advertising. Quite simply the first-person account is more pleasing to other would-be customers than an advertisement or commercial. Also, there are other requirements to meet for an initial transaction to occur-- let alone repeat business. To the point... On 02/20/17 I contacted Smith & Bishel, Co and inquired about cutting a Volvo key, cutting and re-keying costs, and a recommendation for a good quality two-cylinder deadbolt, which I may be able to get used. The standard and seemingly automated "come on down" was uttered with no time wasted. Instantly I felt that he didn't listen to me (listening!!! Customers require that they feel heard). So, I asked how much his recommended deadbolt was.... "About $100," he said. At this point no recommendation was offered. I explained, again, that I may be able to get one used--hence why I inquired about the recommendation. I also noted money was very tight for us right now. I was out of work, and trying to better secure our rented condo door. Having two children always makes matters worse when an income is lost, because kids are always hungry. I stated that would gladly be able to pay for key cutting and rekeying costs, after I get the used deadbolt-- hence why I was, again, needing a recommendation. I even said, "I know you are running a business..." There was silence on the other end... I said, "Hello?"... to which the guy said, "Hey, I don't know what to tell you." (Really???) (Another requirement from potential customers is that any concerns they have are validated.) (Another may be an explanation from the business owner/employee regarding policy/procedure, etc. if the relationship and transaction will not continue-- though not always necessary.) I promptly told the man I would go somewhere else and hung up. Conclusion: (and why he will not only NOT get my business, but also I will spread the word that they are not nice people. Possibly he will lose a lot more money. Here's the thing: We all find ourselves in hard times at one point or another. Why is it so hard to be decent? To have a little empathy? I was not asking for a handout. And I take offense to being treated like I am stealing from a business when can not afford to buy all that is being sold. Conversely, if Smith & Bishel made me feel heard, validated my concern regarding falling on hard times, made a recommendation for a name/model deadbolt I could get from a friend of a friend...... displayed good customer service, etc., I would have spread the word in a positive light, probably making him $10,000 over the next 3-5 years. Why? Because word-of-mouth advertising works.... Of course it also goes both ways. If a businessman wants to act like a male member..... they just might not stay in business. read more

Need keys made? Go here! A LITTLE more expensive, but the keys will work AND not break off in the lock! I had to learn the hard way when it comes to keys I guess. The guy is so nice. I won't go anywhere else for keys. He's by himself & popular because he's good, so if he has to run out, he's closed, but totally worth going back!! He's also helpful if you have questions without making you feel stupid. read more

STAY AWAY!! VERBALLY ASSAULTED! Overall my experience was purely horrible and distressing. The service tech belittled me for not being able to describe my lock out, asking why I "couldn't find a user manual and figure it out on my own" and "If i could read" and kept making comments over the fact "He was brought out here for a waste of time" As I felt uncomfortable being around him after his foul language and demeanor I proceeded to walk away and was cursed at and called a derogatory name. Will never do business with this company nor will I recommend to anyone - instead I will ensure everyone I know in Central CT stays away and even contemplating escalating this matter so proper authorities are warned of this encounter. read more