I first had a basic Master Lock key safe, the type that you have to scroll the numbers and align them. That turned out to be disastrous.
My airbnb guests were struggling to get the lockbox to open. It wasn’t clear if you aligned the numbers face on, or slightly lower or higher, and sometimes the box just wouldn’t open. Also, some of the airbnb guests would leave the correct numbers on display, so in effect the box was always open.
I soon enough realised that this was certainly not a safe solution, also, it seems that there are videos on YouTube showing you how you can crack the code, by gently rolling the numbers till you hear a different slight clicking sound.
The cavity was awkward, the keys would drop in the box in a way that made it difficult to close the box, I had to use a magnet sticker at the back of the box.
So then after extensive homework, I bought the 5441 digital masterlock from safe.co.uk
Their prices were the most competitive, and their service next to none.
This lockbox literally addressed all the issues I previously had, and improved the experience even more.
The lit up numbers are easy to press in, you wait for the sound that the box has unlocked, and you pull it open. You can set the amount of time that the box can stay open before it locks itself again.
There is an activation code unique to the lock box on the top corner of the flimsy instruction paper, and I would advise any new owner to copy that number and keep it safe, in case you lose the paper.
Once you have lost it, no one will be able to retrieve it for you.
There is also a primary code, a back up master code, and up to 5 secondary codes.
All these numbers will unlock your box.
You have to have downloaded the program to your phone, and have the phone and the box in each other’s vicinity to set these numbers initially to work with each other via bluetooth.
Once fixed in situ, you can either unlock the box by bluetooth if you’ve got the program downloaded and are very near the box, or if someone gave you any of the above numbers, you just key them in.
But where this product really excels, you can create a temporary code remotely, as long as you’re connected to the internet, so you can theoretically be in a different country, and create an access code, that you can email or text.
The temporary code will be created by the app randomly, and it is not necessary to be near the box.
This temporary code will work only for between 4 and 8 hours, you get to choose a start time.
This will work if you are sure that your guest will have access to their phone when they arrive.
It is also very handy if you want to allow tradesmen to come in in your absence.
We have found this to be the best way for moving forward, feeling secure that we have our own access codes, our guests don’t need to download the software which is complicated to use for some, and no temporary code will repeat itself.
It is of course a good idea to send another temporary code to the guest on the day they’re leaving, if you wish them to replace the key in the lockbox, if no other arrangements have been made for leaving the key.
Since we've installed these boxes 6 weeks ago, they have been a game changer. Go get it!
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