An Initial Snag, but Complete Success and Savings!
The purchase price and time saved makes this worth it. I hit an initial snag upon receipt of the key via FEDEX in three days from when I placed my order. I attempted to complete step 1 and was unable to. I did not waste time and contacted support via email. I learned the key for my 2015 Honda Accord was pre-activated and step 1 was not required. There was no notification in the envelope I received nor did the instructions reflect a pre-activated key could step to Step 2. I learned this from Shine at customer support and suggested this issue be addressed immediately as many DIYers would likely spend unnecessary time and encounter frustration by not being able to complete the task. Tom's Key offers key programming can be accomplished in less than 15 minutes. This is a true statement; however, communicating by a note in the package and getting instructions updated in the Simple Key programming kit would be helpful and reduce lost time and frustration encountered. Fortunately, I decided to contact support after a few attempts at Step 1. I received a reply from Shine at customer support who informed me my key was pre-activated and to skip to Step 2. You can access the instructions either by URL or by scanning the QR Code on the programmer box. Once I began Step 2, which is a play by play along with an active key and the new key, the process took about 10 minutes and met the 15 minutes or less tagline used by Tom's. The local Honda dealership quoted me a price of $390+6% sales tax or $413.40 total. My order total was 178.97 including 6% tax, free shipping and a $15 off offer for my first key. I purchased the key, had it laser cut by Tom's by uploading pictures of the active key, and the Simple Key programming kit. A great deal. I saved 73% by ordering from Tom's Key Company. I know the savings can vary depending on the situation; however, there is a huge mark-up by the "stealership". I saved time to and from, waiting for the work, 2 hour block of time, for the "technician" to program the key. The programming fee offered was $190. The cost of my entire order was less than $190. If $190 is an hourly rate, that's $47.50 per 15 minutes. You can do this even if you think you have no mechanical skills. Plug the programmer into the OBD II sensor under the dash and you are ready to program by following along on your phone. All you need is an active key. It took me less than 10 minutes and I could accomplish the task on my time and at home and not get ripped-off by the dealership. They should be ashamed of themselves for the mark-up on a service which takes minutes and does not require a technician, or any special skills to perform. Tom's 100% money-back guarantee if the process does not work brings the risk to zero for the consumer. It also speaks to Tom's about the confidence they have in their product. Without question, the instructions require updating and a note should be included for keys already pre-activated. Shine at customer support offered this issue would be immediately addressed by leadership at Tom's to preclude future customers from encountering the same problem. A great service and I'm pleased I made the purchase. I have another car needing a replacement key and Tom's will receive my business.