Tuesday, November 27, 2012

We Got Our Trade Show On This Month

Baldino's Lock and Key got their trade show on this month by attending the Capitol Building and Facility maintenance show in Chantilly, Virginia. This year the show fell on November 14th & 15th and was held at the Dulles Expo Center. 

Baldino's managers, Jeff Waldo, Alan Dissin, and Ed Korenge set up a great booth and shared their knowledge of locks and security with other vendors and attendees.

Products Featured 

  • Medeco's eCylinder Web Hosting Solutions for the Nexgen XT.
An eCylinder is a combination of an electronic and mechanical cylinder. The advantage of having an eCylinder over a mechanical cylinder is that you can tell who is coming and going, program access, and make sure no unauthorized keys are made. The eCylinder also fits on standard hardware.

If you want to learn more about Medeco's eCylinder you can read about it here:
http://www.medeco.com/Other/Medeco/Downloads/Camlocks/NexgenXT/Nexgen_XT_Camlocks_thandle.pdf


  • Arrow Revolution
The Arrow Revolution is a touch screen deadbolt that can hold up to 25 different codes. The benefit of this is you can have a different code for your family, maid service, pet walkers, and babysitters. You can add or delete these users whenever you need.

If you want to learn more about the Arrow Revolution check it out here:
http://www.arrowrevolution.com/?page_id=7

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Slow & Steady Wins the Race.


Congrats to our CEO Mark Baldino

It hasn't been easy, in fact it's been a tumultuous ride for locksmiths across the country. However our efforts are working. Yeah, what else do you think we are talking about....the spam locksmith addresses who are scamming you.

Leading the pack, along with ALOA to get these false locksmith address listings off search engines, phone books, online mailing lists and directories is our very own Mark Baldino. He was recently recognized with an award from the Philadelphia Locksmith Association for his efforts. Mark has rocked Google by getting them to take off almost all of their spam listings. 

Don't believe us? Click here to see search results when you Google "locksmith, Springfield VA" - you bet there were hundreds of other listings published there just months ago. 

When Albert Baldino opened Baldino's Lock and Key  in 1961 he would have never guessed there would be such an issue - let alone the fact "locksmiths" would go into people's homes and betray their trust by gouging prices. He started, and his sons, Mark and Gary Baldino built a trust worthy security company. Everyone in the locksmith occupation as well as customers through out the country have voiced their opinion on these spam listings and scammer locksmiths. 

What's next for Baldino's Lock and Key?

Baldino's spam patrol continues to have a close eye on search engines and online directories. We will continue to promote hiring trained and certified locksmiths, and making consumers aware of how to find them. We are tirelessly working on building websites, directories and phone apps so consumers can be 100% sure they are getting what they search for.


Websites & Stories 

http://www.baldinos.com/

https://www.facebook.com/baldinoslockandkey

http://www.aloa.org/index.php

http://www.bbb.org/blog/2011/08/locksmith-scam-180-for-five-minutes/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19714358/ns/business-consumer_news/t/locked-out-dont-fall-locksmith-scam/#.UImq0Mri58E

http://www.angieslist.com/articles/7-tips-avoid-locksmith-scams.htm

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

5 Things To Know About Locksmith Services

Baldino's Lock and Key wanted to share this article from Angie's List we found. It has some great tips and tricks to finding a great locksmith.

Angie Hicks, Angie’s List founder: “The best way to protect yourself when hiring a locksmith is find one before you need one. All too often we hire a locksmith in an emergency situation. Oftentimes we’ll skip out on research. Find a company you’re going to use and tuck that number away in your wallet so you always have it handy.”

To view the video and read the rest of the article about locksmiths and protecting your home click here!
http://www.angieslist.com/videos/5-things-know-about-locksmith-services.htm?goback=%2Egde_1834534_member_163837311

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Free Key Lockout Program

Getting locked out of your car; it doesn't happen often, but when it does it's always at the worst time, and what an inconvenience it is! The best way to deal with a situation like this is to be prepared.

Baldino's Lock and Key helps thousands of motorists who lock themselves out of their car each year. The easiest and cheapest solution is, believe it or not ... a sticker. If you take part in Baldino's Free Key Lockout Program you can be guaranteed the get into your car free and easy.

It may seem to good to be true, but it isn't. Baldino's Lock and Key has been providing locksmith, and security solutions since 1961 and strive to continue to be there and help our customers when they need it most.

Here's How:

1) Walk into any on of Baldino's 17 locations and ask for a Free Key Lockout brochure and a shop technician can sign you up on the spot. Or, you can go to http://www.baldinos.com/FreeLockoutProgram.aspx and sign up online!

2) If you sign up on the website a sticker will be mailed to you and all you have to do is place it so the sticker is visible in any window of your car.

3) Save Baldino Lock and Key's phone number in your phone so it's on hand.

4) Your name will be put into our database and if you ever get locked out just call Baldino's. Tell our dispatch department you are part of the Free Key Lockout Program and they will schedule an appointment for a road tech to visit, and get you into your car for FREE.


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Waging War on Shady Locksmiths. An article by John Kelly.

John Kelly, reporter for the Washington Post, featured Baldino’s Lock and Key owner Mark Baldino in a recent article titled “Waging War on Shady Locksmiths.” The article details the practice of shady locksmiths and the damage they are doing the small locksmith business owners and the consumer.

“Mark Baldino’s war against shady locksmiths is waged from two tables pushed against the wall of his office in Springfield. The tables are covered with neatly stacked piles of paper. There’s a pile for Bing, another for AOL. There are piles for InfoUSA, Acxiom and Manta.

“It’s really about the search engines,” says Mark, 58, who with his younger brother, Gary, runs Baldino’s Lock & Key, the locksmith business their father started in a shed behind their house in 1961, now grown to 17 locations in our area.” …. To read the rest of the article check it out on the Washington Post webpage or click below

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/waging-war-on-shady-locksmiths/2012/03/14/gIQA9uPlCS_story.html

Take the Liberty quiz. What safe will fit your lifestyle & home?

Buying a new safe is a big commitment. They can be expensive, but worth the investment, and just like any investment to your home you want to find the right one to fit your lifestyle.

One of Baldino's Lock and Key’s biggest sellers are the Liberty brand safes. The brand is known for their gun safes, but can be used to store documents, jewelry, and many other valuable possessions.

Take this quick 7 question quiz from Liberty Safe to get an idea of which safe is best for you. Next, stop by one of our 18 locations and check out your safe in person. Our employee’s are there to answer any questions you have as well as set up a delivery date for you.

Take your quiz here http://www.libertysafe.com/safe-selector.php

Utilities Department Looks To Nexgen XT Padlocks For Accountability

A Southeastern utilities department was receiving reports of unsecure gates at remote water treatment plants throughout the city. After doing some research the utilities department discovered that padlocks were being left unlocked by employees. To address the security concern, the department installed 30 Nexgen XT small format interchangeable cores into the existing padlocks; which provided the necessary accountability and control. After trying the padlocks, the utilities department then expanded their system to accommodate additional facilities.

Many utility companies share challenges in providing accountability for remote facility locations. eCylinder solutions, particularly in padlock applications, provide a cost effective solution to enhance the accountability and control of remote facility security.

As an authorized Medeco Security Center, we carry the full line of Nexgen XT and eCylinder products. Contact us to today to find out how eCylinder can help address your remote facility costs.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Join Us at The Home Show

Join hundreds of home owners this weekend at the Suburban Maryland Home Show. Talk to home improvement vendors, watch product demonstrations, and browse landscaping exhibits.
Get home improvement ideas to update your home or get a new look entirely! Baldino's Lock and Key will be on hand to show you the most up to date security trends that will not only keep you safe, but enhance your homes look.
Address:
Discovery Sports Center at Maryland SoccerPlex
18031 Central Park Circle
Germantown (Boyds), MD 20841
Show Hours:
Friday, March 9, 11:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday, March 10, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday, March 11, 10:00am - 6:00pm
For more information on the show visit the website at http://acshomeshow.com/for-consumers/why-attend
We hope to see you there!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Test Your Locksmith: Are You, Your Friends, and Family Using a Reliable Locksmith?


We’ve told you before and we will tell you again … when choosing a locksmith checking out their credentials is essential to getting quality work.
The first thing most people do when they decide they need locksmith service is to get on their computer or whip out their phone and Google locksmith. Google returns the search with pages and pages of local locksmith companies. The problem is, most of these companies are not local. They advertise service in all areas with fake addresses, business names, and phone numbers. When you call you are actually dialing an 800 number that goes to a call center in another state. You may wonder what is wrong with that? Sometimes nothing, a few locksmiths are only mobile locksmiths with an office out of their home. If this is the case they will have the necessary credentials for the state they practice out of. Most of the time unfortunately, these locksmiths do not have the proper training and by law should not be practicing services in any area.
When you go to hire a locksmith try some of these things to make sure they are legitimate.
-When you call for service ask if they have a DCJS license
-Don’t choose just on price. If you think the price is to good to be true, it probably is.
-A locksmith doing any type of service should give you an estimate and go over the problem with you. If at the end of your service they tell you the price has doubled or tripled and the tech did not ask you before he continued is not a fair locksmith or giving you quality customer service.
-Find a locksmith BEOFRE you need one. Check out their credentials and visit their location to get a feel for if they will be a good fit for your needs. Put the number of the company in your phone so you will have it in emergency situations.
Here are some helpful websites to visit:

Nexgen XT Helps A North Shores School District Reduce The Cost of Re-keying

Last summer, a K-12 school district in the North Shores area contacted Medeco because there was a concern over the lack of control with their current small format key system. According to administrators, keys were not distributed or monitored properly; often causing lost or never returned keys at the end of each school year. These issues forced the school to expend resources and money to re-key every summer.

Realizing the immediate need for a cost effective solution to gain control of the key system and reduce the cost of re-keying, the school decided to install 100 Nexgen XT small format interchangeable cores on every opening within the main facility. The ability to retrofit existing hardware and electronically re-key reduced the liability of lost keys or keys not being returned. Additionally, the school saw value in the audit trail capability to provide information on who was entering critical access openings such as sensitive records and testing areas.

The school was so impressed with Nexgen XT capabilities; they ordered additional cores to expand the system with plans to implement this solution district wide.

This school is just one example of how Nexgen XT eCylinder solutions can benefit schools, and businesses with access areas for different employees. This product can address re-keying issues, loss and liability benefits, compliance assurance, and overall facility security for any building, large or small.

As an authorized Medeco Security Center, we carry the full line of Nexgen XT and eCylinder products. Contact Baldino’s Lock and Key today to find out how eCylinder can help address your re-keying costs. We can set you up with the best system for your facility.

For all the features this product offers you can visit - http://www.medeco.com/?option=com_medeco&view=productview&app=NexGen%20XT&productid=288&Itemid=80

For contact information and to speak with a technician about your new eCylinder solution please visit – www.baldinos.com