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Reed Brothers Security
Categories: Home Services Keys & Locksmiths Home Services Security Systems Keys & Locksmiths, Security Systems [Edit]
4432 Telegraph Ave(between 44th St & 45th St)
Oakland, CA 94609
Serving Oakland and surrounding area
Neighborhoods: Temescal, North Oakland
(510) 652-2477
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 5:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
103 reviews for Reed Brothers Security
103 reviews in English
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Review from Nancy C.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2012
After partying a little bit too hard one night, I lost my entire keychain, which meant I lost the keys to my car and apartment. The keychain didn't turn up, but luckily, I was able to get copies of all missing keys from various sources to make copies.
And make copies of key copies I did, at Reed Brothers Security. They were open bright and early, and handed me two additional batches (I pride myself in being prepared) within minutes. I even got to work super early that day. Score!
Hopefully I won't find myself locked out of my car or apartment again. Should I ever have any more key or security system woes, though, Reed Brothers is the place to go! -
Review from Molly K.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 12/6/2011 4 photos
This place continues to exceed my high expectations. In addition to the many dozens of keys I have made annually, Reed Brothers also bailed me out of hot water a few months ago when I locked myself out of a client's house when I was doing a kitty visit, (I went out to put something in the trash and forgot the door locks automatically--whoops!). Today the locksmith who came out to my house was Robert Ferguson. He's been working for Reed Brothers for a dozen years and quickly and efficiently solved three lock-related issues. He was a super nice guy and totally professional and knowledgeable.
I recommend Reed Brothers to my friends and clients all the time and they never disappoint. It's nice to be able to recommend such a kick-ass local business. Keep up the great work, Reed Brothers.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/29/2010
This place is great. I own some rental units and a dog-walking and dog-boarding business and make… Read more »
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Review from J. W.
Oakland, CA
10/9/2011
Came in here a few days ago to get a custom key made for my SAAB, and they were extremely upfront on the phone as well as in person: "We'll do what we can to help you, but if it doesn't work, no charge".
Came on in, lots of techs around to help, all extremely nice. Very well-organized shop, they have everything you need for securing your home or business(I'll probably be back to purchase a surveillance system from them). Sat around and shot the breeze with them while they tried to duplicate my key. It took them a minute, as it's one of those "switchblade" keys, so they had to disassemble the key, then re-assemble it.
Didn't catch his name, but the guy(who seemed like the boss) took great care of me from start to finish! I was in and out in less than ten minutes! He had me test the key on my vehicle, and I came back in to pay him, and he said "no charge, due to the wait". ?!?! It wasn't even ten minutes! I insisted on paying him, but he wouldn't let me!
Now THAT is service! I will be sure to come back to Reed Brothers for all my security needs:) -
Review from brian B.
Berkeley, CA
2/6/2012
Charged more than double what they quoted me and I still have a broken lock. I am talking with them again to see if they make good. They did reduce the original charge but it is still 50% more than expected and I still have a problem.
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Review from Josh A.
Oakland, CA
1/24/2012
Two weeks ago I bought two stun guns, one for me and one for my wife. My wife decided she did not want one. I tried to return the item UNOPENED with the original receipt and waited for 10 minutes while the man helping me went to the back room to discuss the return with the boss.
I was informed that they would waive the "no returns" policy on electronic devices, but that they would charge me a 20% restocking fee. To be fair, this policy is stamped on my receipt; however, as a small business owner myself, I understand that policies are in place to protect you from scammers and jerks. In the interest of good customer service (something that should set a small business apart from big-box retailers and the internet), exceptions can and should be made.
I tried to ask the man helping me why it was necessary to charge me 20% to restock a small unopened box containing a stun gun the size of a pack of cigarettes and he just walked away as if to say, "F*** you, we're done."
Well, Reed Brothers, we're done. Maybe I'm wrong to expect an exception to your return policy, but in any case the customer service was appalling. They say that a customer with a good experience tells one other person, but a customer with a bad experience tells 10 people. I'm sure you can guess how many people I'm going to tell. -
Review from julie a.
Berkeley, CA
11/17/2011
Sigh. One of my guys locked the only key to a vehicle inside of it. On a very busy morning. Go to Yelp, see these guys. Call. Less than twenty minutes later two super nice guys arrive and assure me I'll have my key back shortly. Six minutes later, vehicle is open. AND they offer to make me a spare key.
To sum up: Reed Brothers Security is awesome. Andrew & Leo are absolute dolls. Thank you guys!! -
Review from Joe C.
Fremont, CA
9/3/2011
We've got a security system that is malfunctioning and needs servicing so I decided to call this place based on the good Yelp ratings and reviews.
So, I get someone on the phone and start to tell him about my situation, saying that we need someone to come out to Fremont to help us out. The person on the phone says that they have emergency services and asks if it is an emergency. I say that it's not an emergency situation but that we'd like to schedule an appointment. Strangely enough, the person on the phone then states that since it's not an emergency, I should call back on Wednesday (4 days later)!
Now I understand that it is Labor Day weekend this weekend, but still Labor Day is on Monday. Why call back on Wednesday? And why not take the time to schedule an appointment while you have me on the phone, even if you can't come out till next week?
I read all these great review saying how they are patient, knowledgeable, and helpful, but the service I got while on the phone was anything but that. Bottom line is that I thought it was borderline rude the way the person kind of ended our conversation, hence the 2 stars. I will not be calling this place back since they don't seem to want my business.Comment from Randy R. of Reed Brothers Security 9/8/2011
We are sorry you had this problem when calling us. Whereas… More » -
Review from Steve G.
San Leandro, CA
2/2/2012
This is the second time we have used Reed brothers. We used them for the first time 2 years ago to change some locks out for our building. They did a decent job. Unfortunately, we moved and needed to change the locks of our new building. We contacted them, and had an appointment scheduled. When they arrived, we told them exactly what we wanted. A two level lock system, One key to open all the doors, and one key that can only open the interior doors. What we got was a mess. We received door locks that didn't have a unlock button, so you always had to use a key to open the door. We also received a horrible lock system, with different keys to interior offices, different keys to exterior offices, and no master key to open everything...WHAT??!! We have been trying to contact them to come back and fix the issue, however they want to keep charging money, after we paid them for the initial job. Buyer beware!!!!
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Review from Deadly F.
San Francisco, CA
12/16/2011 1 photo
Needed a new keyless entry fob for my 2000 Jeep Cherokee as well as another key made because I only had one set. The engine key has a special chip so I wasn't able to just get a $2 key made and I needed Reed Bros expertise. They happened to have the fob in stock and I was in and out in 30 minutes with my new key and fob programmed. Well under dealer price and couldn't ask for better customer service. Normally I would have had to order the fob and pay for it and it would have taken 2 weeks to get it in but I got lucky since they had one in store. Either way, I'll be back!
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Review from Seamus M.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2011
These guys must have played with locks as babies. They seem to know everything and they seem overstaffed enough that you never have to wait long. They manage to make me feel that getting a key cut is just as important as the guy beside me wanting to get a $3,000 security system. I used them many times and I've never been disappointed but I'm still sure if there was ever a problem they would make it right.
In the interest of full disclosure I should admit I have a lock fetish, just locks not chains and handcuffs. -
Review from Barbara S.
Berkeley, CA
11/17/2011
Locks are fix! They are a little on the pricey side on some things, but they get the job fast and timely. Open 24/7.
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Review from Casey S.
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
The men working at Reed Brothers Security were extremely friendly and helpful. We had tried to copy this set of keys several times at other places and they never worked. Reed Brothers made the copies in minutes and they all worked perfectly. It cost about $15 for 6 keys.
If you are in a hurry I would recommend avoiding lunch hour. They only had one person who could run the cashier, but he was making keys as well so the queue to check out backed up just a little. -
Review from Seth F.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2011
With a line of five customers in front of me, I was expecting to be waiting a bit. Usually in businesses having to do with construction or automotive, the customers and employees have a beefed-up and sometimes, overly technical process that takes far too long to attend to.
At Reed Brothers, their staff was quick, to the point, and got me in and out in minutes. Even with the number calling system (which I didn't even need), they wizzed up to my place in line, and I got my keys made without any up -elling or question.
Very good place, and super friendly! -
Review from henry k.
Berkeley, CA
11/9/2011
Receptionist never connected me with locksmith after calling three times, no call backs. they must have all the business they need.
Comment from Randy R. of Reed Brothers Security 11/11/2011
Sorry you had problems reaching us. We don't have a… More » -
Review from Natalie S.
Alameda, CA
10/30/2011
When I started to leave for work on Friday, my difficult-to-lock door became an unlockable door. I called locksmith numbers, leaving messages. More frustrated, I tried Reed. They answered right away, asked the right questions to understand the problem, and said someone would be there in 30 - 45 minutes. I figured that meant at least an hour and a half. Dale made it here in Alameda in under 30 minutes. He looked at the door and lock, went down to his truck for a grinding tool, and fixed the problem. He also told me what had caused the problem - earthquake. And showed me that it wouldn't happen again because the door couldn't shift any further. I was only charged the basic $88, which amazed me. And I made it to work by 9:30a!
(One of the other locksmiths I'd left a message for didn't call back until the afternoon. And the other one never responded at all.) -
Review from Barry S.
Alameda, CA
12/22/2011
We've been in our house for almost ten years. We knew the house needed an updated alarm system. Reed Brothers had been recommended by a neighbor and had an Angie's recommendation (something we swear by). We figured it would be worth going with Reed Brothers for he updated alarm system rather than the company that had put it the old system before we moved in. We have been mighty impressed with the personal service and the specific recommendations that suited our own particular house. The people doing the sales and installation couldn't be more pleasant and competent. I would highly, highly recommend Reed Brothers Security for anyone concerned about enhancing security in their house or business.
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Review from Rick C.
Berkeley, CA
1/14/2011
These guys do the keys for our fraternity. When a lot of our keys were taken by the graduating seniors last year (jerks!), we came here to make some more copies made. I called them to figure out when they closed at 5:15 only to find out that they close at 5:30. He figured out some disappointment in my voice and said that if we were quick enough, he would stay open a bit longer to fit me! Amazing!
We got there at around 5:45 and they let us in; they weren't even upset! We got our keys and they understand the intricacies without a question and they always get it right.
They also sell safes, vaults, cash drop boxes, mace, batons, cameras, and everything in between. It's a bit ridiculous! -
Review from David N.
11/5/2010
$125 for a key!?!?! You have to F'n kidding me! And, I have to drive to San Rafael Mitsubishi? What's a transporter key anyway?
Programming this key requires two or more working keys. If you do not have 2 working keys, you will need to have the key programmed at a locksmith or dealership.
I have one key.
Reed Bros to the rescue! This morning I stopped off at to get a transporter key. The staff was having a meeting, but they still welcomed me into the store. An very nice older gentleman was helpful to me, which was important because the key was going to cost $75. Cheaper than the dealer, but still, I was in sticker shock.
In 15 minutes, I had the second key and was $75 poorer , however, Reed Bros has never failed me!Listed in: Baby you can drive my car...
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Review from Heather B.
Oakland, CA
12/4/2010
After some major trouble with another locksmith and their outrageous charges and intimidation tactics, I called Reed Brothers and talked to them about what happened.
Not only were all of the staff both on the phone and in the store very friendly, and duplicated some new keys for me, but they also gave me the courage I needed to get my money back from the other guys.
Reed Brothers will definitely be getting my business in the future and I will recommend them to others! -
Review from Napalm M.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2010
I wanted to like you.. I really did, but in the end your services are very overpriced.
I had some estimates given for security work and they were several hundred more then other places. They wanted to charge $150 to reprogram my alarm system to use their monitoring service and they required a on site setup, when other companies are willing to do it for free from their office.Comment from Randy R. of Reed Brothers Security 9/27/2010
I appreciate that it is difficult to compare prices for… More » -
Review from Tracy W.
Berkeley, CA
1/10/2012
"WOW!" That is what I said when Herburt and Bayani from Reed Bros Security arrived to install our new window bars for our business less than 24 hours after they measured and gave me an estimate. I contacted Reed Bros to get an estimate for security bars for our business after someone tried to break the window. Herburt called me within 24 hours and set up an appointment the next day. He and Bayani came out and measured, listened to what we needed (the new bars needed to match existing bars on the building). They were professional and effecient. Herburt called me with the estimate the same day as promised and told me it would be a couple of days for them to be made. I expected to wait 3 or 4 days for the bars, but to our surprise and excitment they were installed the next day! Herburt and Bayani came back and installed them in minutes. I would recommend Reed Bros and highly recommend Herburt and Bayani. It was such a relief to not have to worry about the window anymore and to receive such amazing service from a company we had not used before. Herburt even gave us some tips on securing our business, which was much appreciated. We will be using Reed Bros again for another project soon.
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Review from Sarah B.
Emeryville, CA
8/11/2011
I had an unfortunate incident where a friend pulled the handle off of my front door. This is an old 1926 house and the door handle was original. As with all things with old houses, they don't make them like they used to and so trying to fix them or even getting someone to understand how to fix them can be a challenge. But when I called Reed Brothers and I shared my issue with the person who answered the phone, she immediately identified that I needed extra special help. She connected me with Dawn who was extremely helpful, patient and knowledgeable about fixing old doors such as mine. She identified that I needed expert help and set me up with an appointment as soon as possible with a journeyman locksmith. I'm extremely grateful to Dawn for talking me through this. I only wish she was the one who was coming to fix my door. But hopefully this person will be as great as she was.
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Review from Linda H.
Oakland, CA
7/8/2011
UPDATE:
I wanted to update my review because, after reading my initial review, the owner of this business contacted me... he was very concerned. He asked me to send a detailed account of what happened so he could discuss it with his staff. Once I did, he reviewed the email with the tech who came to my house... apparently the tech recounted pretty much exactly the same story that I did and then realized how terrible the situation really was. He said that the tech wanted to personally apologize. I was impressed with the way the owner followed up.
INITIAL REVIEW:
This was not the first time we have gave this company our business... but it will be the last. We have had good service in the store; however, besides being late, the guy who came to help us get back in our house when we got locked out was really rude. He unlocked the door, but that was pretty much the only good part about this most recent experience. -
Review from Dan W.
Emeryville, CA
10/8/2010
This review is for their store, I don't have experience with their field work
I had a particularly tricky situation with a custom door that wouldn't accept off the shelf locks. My builder recommended to check with Reed Brothers and am sure glad I did. Although they didn't have anything in the store to fit my funky door, they did however come up with a great solution of how to modify an off the shelf lock to do what I needed, free!
I felt guilty receiving such great service and help without giving them anything in return but when I need anything lock or security related, I'm going to them -
Review from Derek T.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/4/2011
Been using Reed Brothers for over 2 years. They put in great systems and when we had a issue with one of the motion detectors they replaced in no charge. Have not had a problem since. The monitoring is a great value.
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Review from phil m.
Berkeley, CA
10/28/2010
Quick and professional
My baldwin front door lock broke i was told of a parts recall by reeds and how to get it They saved me $500. They came out the day after the parts arrived and for $111. They rebuilt the lock on site. I looked at the instructions and i knew i could not do it. Thank you -
Review from John H.
Oakland, CA
4/21/2011
I have worked with Reeds on a number of security issues over the years at my home in Rockridge, and they have never failed to be attentive, courteous, prompt and effective in addressing my needs.
My elderly front door lock was looking like a lost cause, and I had them come out for one last try. The fellow (Marshall, I think??) was amazing. He made my lock opertaional again, fixed the doorknob to functional, and did it all with a great demeanor and a smile.
Awesome company. Great to have them local to me. -
Review from Ken T.
San Lorenzo, CA
5/5/2010
The Reed Brothers Security have been so helpful thru out the years. Their customer service are A+ and their product is a cant miss.
Along with that I have to say that the Reed Brothers have been helpful and assisting in the community. Most recently they allowed us to use their "Chariots of Fire" grill to cook food for the Claremont Middle School "Spring Fling"
Thank you Reed Brother's Security for your years of business and community involvement.
Ken Tramiel
Chairman of the "Knights of the Roundtable i.e. ( The Dad's Club) -
Review from Peter J.
Oakland, CA
7/20/2010
I have used Reed Bro.s twice in the last 3 years and have always been satisfied with their prompt service.
If you live in Oakland/Berkeley and lose your keys, these are the people to call! -
Review from Eclectic C.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2010
QUICK & EASY Service.
I am having the shittiest morning one could possibly have. It started off great as I left my house 30 min earlier than normal, so I could get to work really early. Great! I stopped off at the ATM to get money to pay for parking and left my car running with the hazards on like I always do. I get back to the car and what do you know. The door is freaking locked.
"This shit can't be happening" feeling starts to take over. I slowly freak out. I call my boss several times, no answer. I call my boyfriend several times since it's his car, no answer, but then he finally calls me back.
The morning gets worse.
The stupid fuck tells me it's my fault, like I purposely locked myself out of the car. Well, that's the last straw on our already rocky relationship. I broke up with his sorry ass this morning, after I called REED BROTHERS locksmith and got his credit card info.
The morning gets better.
After 10 minutes, the REED BROTHERS van shows up. Jason, the locksmith, takes less than 10 minutes to unlock my car and charge me for service.
BAM! That simple!
I then head off to work where two old fairy's probably drag mothers after 5pm, proceed to talk shit about me, like I can't hear them.
The morning goes back to bad. -
Review from Nobbi L.
8/18/2008
While Jack & I were on a cruise, our housemate John lost his keys. No identifying info. Then when we returned we found a note for found keys close by. We gave him the info. He left a message. I told him to meet whomever on neutral territory.
This morning he informs me that the guy called. He told him to come to our house! Those were not our keys. I was afraid that it was a scam and he had our keys and may try to get in the house. Not a high probability but possible.
So I went to the locksmith in Alameda that I had seen in the past. Very nice fellow. But he told me their license was inactive. I asked for a recommendation. The only one he could give me was Reed's.
I called expecting a two week wait. I was promised a same day service call. Indeed, Casey showed up on time. He changed all our locks, replaced some that needed it, and he was was very personable, knowledgeable, and proud.
Great service! -
Review from michelle l.
Tampa, FL
8/30/2009
He tried to OVERCHARGE US.
So, we got locked out and had to call a locksmith to get us back in. Fine. I know that nighttime service usually costs more, but when we spoke with the guy, he quoted us a high price, then when he showed (and took all of 1 minute) to stick a hanger under the door and open the door, and then he tried to charge us a higher price. For what? And why? He personally quoted $125 on the phone, so why would he try to charge more in person? It's not like the job was difficult, he honestly just popped the door open with a hanger. He came to the residence, and it was well-known to him, close to his office, and safe. Trying to make a couple extra bucks in the middle of the night is dishonest and won't win my return business.Comment from Randy R. of Reed Brothers Security 9/2/2009
I'm sorry you feel our locksmith was trying to overcharge… More » -
Review from Corey E.
Portland, OR
4/8/2008
Most of you probably don't think you need Reed Brothers, but you do. I'm not talking about having a high-end security system installed, but just for having keys made. I'm sick of going to places--like a drugstore--where they also happen to make keys. They always come out screwed up. Why not go to the professionals--like Reed Brothers--and have your key done right the first time? Plus, if you ever need a huge safe that would fit a person (like Dick Cheney apparently needs). They have that too. A surprisingly fun browsing experience, I must add.
8/13/09--Have an update. We had a deadbolt jam up on us, thanks to using some non-Reed-duped key. I de-installed the deadbolt and took it into Reed (Well, I took to Ome-Ha Epot-Da because it was late and Reed was closed, but of course they couldn't help). I expected Reed to sell me a new deadbolt. But, no...they went after it like a great puzzle, took it apart, and put it all together again better than new. That plus 3 new improved keys ran us about twenty bucks a change. A great deal and kinda fun, too. Their customer service and professionalism is just astoundingly great. -
Review from Tate B.
Oakland, CA
2/5/2010
After losing my house keys in a robbery, Reed Brothers promptness, professionalism, and quality work helped give me piece of mind again.
After several dead ends with other locksmiths, I finally got through to Reed Brothers, who connected me directly to their on-call locksmith, Israel. He told me 20 minutes and he was there in 20 minutes; when I asked if he could call 5 minutes before arriving, he agreed and actually did it! And when he got there, he was exactly the kind of warm, friendly face that I needed to see after such an awful experience. His work was efficient with no sacrifice in work quality. And when he was all done, he handed me my new keys and a revived feeling of safety - no amount of stars can capture that! -
Review from Angela L.
Oakland, CA
12/15/2009
I went into Reed Brothers Security today to look for a small home safe.
I was very impressed by the knowledgeable professional staff as well as the huge array of safes and security products they offered.
I was amused by the poster Patricia V who went on about how dark and drab the showroom was. I have to wonder if she really was in this store at all.
The showroom was spacious and I had no problem getting around the safes. Nor did I see any faded signs or clunky chairs. In fact there were two beautiful black Iron park bench type seats.
In any event when I go to a Security store I am looking for knowledge, state of the art products and professionalism. Not the deccor which seemed very upbeat to me anyway.
I would highly reccomend Reed Brothers and find them to be the best equipped Locksmith/security store in the bay area. -
Review from Livelearn H.
San Jose, CA
7/20/2011
Wow, I can't believe what just happened! I called Reed Bros. to help out with a late-night break-in of a friend's house who is disabled. We needed two locks rekeyed. The guy from Reed Bros. told me he would come. He called back and confirmed. Said he'd be there in 20 mins. He calls back in 20 mins and says he's gotta call the cops to go after someone who passed him a bad credit card and he couldn't come anymore. What?! He's blowing off a paying customer who is disabled to go after a bad debt at 10:00 p.m. at night? And he couldn't recommend anyone else to come and help either? High and dry much? This is not the way to do business and I will tell anyone who asks. Truly unbelievable.
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Review from Joe B.
9/28/2007
These guys are in a stable, growth industry - security in Oakland. They can make almost any key known to man, though they failed on my mailbox key. They can fix your car door locks when somebody pries them out with a screwdriver, though I repaired them myself with a new lock cylinder, some washers, and JB Weld. Now it's stronger, thieving bitches who stole my stereo.
They have bars for your windows too, but I would never buy them - makes your home feel like a prison. They have wallet chains, fake cans of spam to hold your keys, safes, all sorts of security items. Their prices on doing rekeying are reasonable and I have used them a few times for this. They're only a mile away from home. Reed Brothers is who you call, not the shady AAAA Locksmith types.Listed in: North Oakland reprazent!
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Review from Mr. and Mrs. G.
Oakland, CA
3/10/2010
Reed Brothers installed new mailboxes for our 4 unit condominium this week. They were SO easy to work with, so reasonably priced, and went above and beyond what was expected of them.
They were especially helpful when they learned I was pregnant, making sure I didn't have to go out of my way for anything. Thanks, guys! -
Review from Mookie M.
Berkeley, CA
3/21/2008
What a treat to find a business that is well run, has happy and helpful employees and is right down the street from my house.
I'd gone to several other locksmiths trying to copy a dead bolt key but only Reed Brothers were able to help me. I guess it was a weird/old/obscure key?
Anyway, I was helped right away when I walked in and while I was waiting for them to grind the key, each employee that happened to walk by asked to make sure I'd been assisted. They all seemed genuinely friendly, energetic and engaged. The polar opposite of the unhelpful zombies you find working at Home Depot.
Thanks Reed Brothers!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Car L.
Hayward, CA
6/4/2011
Went in for a motorcyle key copy and got exactly that. No hassle, no problem
