What may help to clarify this is that when we had first interacted in person I had no idea that we had communicated via e-mail prior to you being at the store. You had asked me for a duplicate key for your ES300. I looked up the info on the computer pulled up the info on your vehicle and proceeded to quote you the price for a cut and programmed TOY48-BT4 which is $125. I was quoting you for a duplicate key and it was at that point you told me you HAD a key that you just needed cut. Apologetically I should have taken more time to explain to you why I had quoted you what I did and why there was a major discrepancy. In all honesty I would never try to take advantage of a customer, it is not in my nature. The only reason that I may have come across with uncertainty about the necessity of your key needing to be programmed was because I did not want to offend your certainty of it not needing it. Even cut and programmed I would not have charged you $125 if I had not supplied the blank.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience and hope this clarifies the issue for you.

Thanks,

Cris

Marshall’s Locksmith

Car manufacturers are constantly trying to improve their security systems to stay ahead of the criminals. We understand that as consumers it is difficult to stay educated on all the manufactures different security measures and that is why we work so hard to stay informed for you. Not only do we keep ourselves familiar with these increasingly sophisticated systems, but we use the best equipment with the most current information available. The machines and technology that we use as well as the programs and training that are necessary to communicate with these machines are very expensive and are constantly changing each year and with every model. We as a company and the vendors that we deal with are constantly working to improve aftermarket technology so that we are able to offer affordable ways to provide duplicate keys. We try to provide an alternative to the dealer. We do this to ensure that we are giving our customers the best product for their money. We at Marshall’s stock a high security Lexus transponder key that we sell brand new cut and programmed for $125. The downside is that it does not have the door remote. It still beats the dealer cut and programmed price of $450.

Theft-Deterrent System
A small transponder embedded in the SC's key transmits a personal identification code to the engine control computer. Unless the system reads the proper code, the computer will not activate the ignition and fuel injection and the SC is immobilized

Lexus has implemented a key and transponder system that maximizes the security of their vehicles. It not only requires a laser cut key, but it has a transponder frequency chip that communicates with the vehicle. The inlay cut design of this key provides two separate points of security. First off it is hard to duplicate, secondly it is highly impervious to picking. Inside the remote head of these keys is where the door transmitter and car transponder are located. Once the transponder chip is programmed to the vehicle it stays programmed. Meaning if you bust the shell you can take the already programmed components and swap to a new head without having to re-program the components. However the door remote and car transponder are two separate frequencies and communicate with different systems.

From: sales [mailto:sales@marshallslocks.com]
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 8:28 AM
To: djxplosive@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Estimate Request

We can cut the key for you so long as it is not a steel blank. No appointment necessary. Will cost you $35 no guarantee.

Thanks,

Cris

-----Original Message-----
From: djxplosive@gmail.com [mailto:djxplosive@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2009 6:07 PM
To: sales@marshallslocks.com
Subject: Estimate Request

Job description: I need a key duplicated for a 2002 Lexus ES 300 that I recently purchased. I had to order a new key with the keyless entry feature, which I was able to program, but now need someone to duplicate the key I currently have so I can use the keyless entry key as the master.

We at Marshall’s Locksmith Service wanted to apologize for any confusion we may have had with you. The quote you were given was based on the below email and was for only cutting the key. Your email makes no mention of needing the key programmed so we did not estimate that price for you. We apologize for any inconvenience that this miscommunication may have caused.