The Google Maps Gauntlet: A Locksmith’s Struggle to Stay on the Map

If you’ve ever searched for a locksmith near you, chances are Google Maps played a big role in your decision. It’s convenient, right? Pull up the app, type in “locksmith,” and pick a business based on reviews and proximity. For customers, it’s great. For small business owners like me, though? It can be an absolute nightmare.

The Suspension That Never Ends

About a year ago, my Google Business listing for Buffalock and Key was suspended. Why? That’s the million-dollar question. Google’s notification was vague—something about “quality issues.” No specifics, no real guidance, just a generic message that left me scrambling.

I followed the appeal process, provided all the documentation they asked for, and waited. And waited. And waited some more. Each appeal was denied, with no clear explanation. Months passed with no resolution, and in the meantime, my business was practically invisible to anyone relying on Google Maps to find a locksmith.

Small Business, Big Problems

For a one-man mobile locksmith operation like mine, this was more than just an inconvenience—it was a major blow to business. I don’t have a storefront with a big sign that people can drive by. My business exists where my van is parked, where my tools are, and where my customers need me. If Google Maps doesn’t show Buffalock and Key, it’s as if I don’t exist at all.

Meanwhile, Google lets fly-by-night “locksmith” listings stay up, complete with fake reviews and burner phone numbers that forward to who-knows-where. These scams often overcharge customers, do shoddy work, and disappear before anyone can hold them accountable. And yet, they remain untouched while legitimate locksmiths struggle to get reinstated.

The Catch-22 of Support

Getting help from Google? Good luck. Though at times I was able to reach a real person, it seemed that though very willing, their actual ability to help was little to non existant. The appeals process felt like throwing paperwork into the void. Every appeal, which included undeniable proof I exist and service customers with pictures, videos, and offcial forms, was denied with no explanation. I was stuck in a seemingly endless loop of automated messages and canned replies.

And here’s the kicker—Google encourages businesses to maintain accurate listings because they want search results to be helpful and relevant. But when you actually try to follow their rules and resolve an issue? The system fails you.

An Unexpected Turnaround

Then, suddenly, after nearly a year of fighting, I was notified that my business had been reinstated. No explanation, no acknowledgment of the countless denied appeals—just a quiet reversal. It was as if nothing had ever happened - excpt losig all the reviews wonderful customers left me. While I’m relieved to be back on the map, I can’t ignore the fact that this entire ordeal was unnecessary and exhausting.

Finding a Way Forward

Despite these challenges, I’m still here, still serving Buffalo and the surrounding area. My website, buffalockandkey.com, is always up to date, and my direct number hasn’t changed. If you ever need a locksmith, don’t let Google decide who you can and can’t call—do your own research, check multiple sources, and make sure you’re dealing with a real professional.

As for my Google listing? The fight may be over, but the frustration lingers. Until Google improves its system, small businesses will continue to face these unnecessary struggles. But no matter what, I’ll keep doing what I do best—helping people out, one lock at a time.

Here's my listing, feel free to check out, interact, perhaps leave a review ;) https://g.co/kgs/U7B3oJA