Guide
Locked out in Lisbon? What to do (and how to avoid overpaying)
Getting locked out is one of the easiest situations to get overcharged in — a classic trick is quoting a low call-out fee, then charging far more once the door's already been forced. The fix is to agree the full budget before anyone travels to you, not after. Post the job on Kwickly with your own budget and get matched with a nearby Task Doer, and that budget is what's paid — not a starting quote.
What to do if you're locked out
- Check if a flatmate, neighbour, or landlord has a spare key first
- Post the task on Kwickly marked urgent, with your address and situation
- Set a budget upfront — a nearby Task Doer accepts the job at that price
- Confirm in the app chat if forcing the lock will mean replacing it afterwards
- Only release payment once you're actually back in and the job is done
Why agreeing the budget upfront matters
With a lock-out, there's rarely time to compare multiple quotes on the spot — which is exactly the situation an overcharging tactic relies on. Setting your budget when you post the task means a Task Doer accepts the job at that price, not an opening figure that changes once they've arrived and you're stuck waiting.
How pricing works for lock-outs
Lock-out pricing depends on the type of job — a simple lock-out is very different from a lock that needs replacing afterwards. There's no single flat rate, so you set your own budget when you post, and nearby Task Doers can accept it at that price.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a locksmith urgently for a lock-out?
Yes — mark the task as urgent when posting so nearby Task Doers know it needs prompt attention.
How do I avoid being overcharged during a lock-out?
Set your budget when you post the task, before anyone travels to you — that's the price a Task Doer accepts, not a starting quote to be renegotiated once they arrive.
What if the lock needs replacing, not just opening?
Confirm this in the app chat as soon as it's clear — it's a bigger job than a simple lock-out and worth factoring into the budget before work starts.
Are Kwickly's Task Doers verified?
All Kwickly users are phone-verified. All Task Doers are identity-verified. Kwickly doesn't run background checks or verify licences or insurance.
How do I pay?
You pay your stated budget through Stripe when you post the task. That payment is held and only released to the Task Doer once you confirm you're back in and the job is done.