Relax! Nobody is criticizing you!! You asked the question if you should go to a Lexus dealer or drive 60 miles to another hardware store........ I am trying to help you out and I understand your frustration BUT in your case you are NOT saving money (especially if they F' up your blank) and I know others that have been down the same road with buying Flea Bay Key Blanks..... Some have good luck but the majority have problems (crap shoot) When you buy a Lexus you have to face the fact that some things are pricey on speciality items like a key.
I purchased a Flea Bay blank with a key FOB (for my Dodge Charger) and when I went to get it cut, the blank was 1/32" shorter than the factory key and the lock smith would NOT guarantee the cut, so it was off to the dealer with my "tube of lube"..... I could have saved money on gas and time by going to the dealer originally.

 

No doubt it will end up costing me more than if I had gone to the dealer but there's a principal involved and and I'm will to cut off my nose to save my face to keep the stealer from ripping me off.

 

For my ES300, I bought a uncut master key from the Internet and had it cut and programmed by an independent mobile locksmith who said he also works under contract from Lexus when someone needed a key urgently when they couldn't get to a Lexus Dealership.
For my LS430, I bought a master Smartkey from Sewell, cut by Sewell based on my Vehicle VIN, and programmed by my local Lexus Dealership.

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