Cheaper way to get a spare key

I'm needing a spare key made for a backup. I took the original to Westlakes and after testing it, he told me it was "chipped", and I would have to take it to a dealer. I called the dealer and was told I would have to pay $28 for the key, and $100 for labor. I looked on google, and noticed some people saying they bought a blank un-programmed key off ebay and had it programmed.
Any suggestions on what the cheapest way to do this?
Thanks

Try your local hardware store, I had a new Ford PATS key cut for my 2005 Mazda Tribute for $60.
We also had them cut a regular spare key, that's not encrypted for $2.00 thats hidden on the body.

You need two keys to be able to program anymore (8 I think is the limit)yourself, if you only have one there's no other way other than the dealer I'm afraid. Once you have the two programmed keys you can buy the blanks off e-bay, get 'em cut and program them yourself.....Mike

I went to Ace hardware the other day to get one cut as a hideaway. I didn't want a chip, just a way for my wife to get in through the door when she invariably locks the keys inside. They refused. Said there is a liability issue to cut one without the chip. Now, if my wife gets locked out and gets attacked because she couldn't get inside the car, I think that is a bigger liability issue. I asked what the liability issue was, and they said they didn't know, just that they couldn't do it. And wouldn't it be a liability issue if they cut a key with the chip that I was forced to use as the hideaway and someone stole the car? What a bunch of BS.

You can buy a key blank from Ebay, and have someone else cut it.

Sorry, I wasn't getting email alerts that I had messages. Thanks for all the replies, and I ended up getting everything I need. For anyone in the same position, here is how I did it.

I ordered an uncut, unprogramed key off of ebay for $12 shipped. I then took it back to Westlakes, and explained that I just wanted a "dummy" key cut. They did it with no problems for $2.50. I then was able to program it myself with the two good keys I had. Remember, this is the process for an '01 Ford Escape; I don't know what else it would work on. Here is what to do:
Turn first key to run, then off, and remove. Turn second key to run, then off, and remove. Turn new key to run for a second or two, then to off, but leave it in the ignition. The instructions I found said that the "THEFT" light should come on and then you leave the key in the ignition for approx. 10min. My light didn't come on, and I turned the key right away and it fired up.
At the same time, I ordered a replacement key fob also off ebay for $12 shipped. The process for programming one of these is this-
Turn key from off to run 8 times quickly. Press any key on the first fob. Press any key on all other fobs. You'll see the locks cycle through letting you know its programmed after every fob. You have to re-program every fob when you do this or they won't work.
Hope this helps anyone that finds themselves in the same position I was in. This was so easy, so I don't know why some people are saying you have to go to the dealer to do it. So for a total of $27, not $130, I have a third programmed key and a new fob.

I bought a 2011 Mazda CX-9 that only came with 1 key. It's a keyless entry FOB with switchblade type key. Dealer wanted over $350 for remote FOB, key, and programming. I found a great seller on EBAY- remoteoverstock. Their remote FOB and key cost me $64 including shipping and $49 at the local dealer for programming. Remote and key work great. REMOTEOVERSTOCK saved me $250!!! They also guarantee their product, money back. Check them out on EBAY.

I find it hard to beleive you are being charged $100 for programming. I work for a dealer and we just raised our price to $42 for programming. sounds like a bad dealer to me.

Get-R-Done!
Thanks for follow-up

interesting reads

I traded in a civic on this last Escape-
dealer only had one key- quote was $280.00 for another key- we went round and round for a bit

short of it- they wanted my Civic- I wanted their Escape- we made the deal- except- I said I also only had one key- agreed on one key should be enough:screwy:

they sold my traded in Civic to a young couple pretty quick

call was "they want the other key, Honda wants alot for one, can you bring your other key in"

my response- if I have to pay a lot for another key so should you

week went by-
"if you bring in your civic key we'll make you a second key for your Escape, no charge"

ahhh understanding how the game is played is often wise

Spare KEY FOB's are cheap on EBAY, you could hideaway a spare key fob too.

From my experience, do not chance buying from remoteoverstock on eBay. I tried 2 keys and neither worked. My dealer said they wouldn't even communicate with the programming tool. I found this link after the fact that shows that they are fakes and not genuine - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=952140

Thanks for follow-up

I only have one key for my 2011 Escape, the key is a part of the fob, so the hardware store person said they cannot make a second key. I called the dealer today - $245.95 plus tax for a second key! :disappoin

You can always get a basic pats key and separate fob. This is a much cheaper option. At our dealership we do it all the time.

Thanks! - Before I went to the dealer, I went to a locksmith and had a key made for $45. No fob/remote - but I just wanted a key in case something happened to the first one.

i had a thought about this yesterday. my thought is to find where the key "chip" sensor is, and glue the "chipped" key right to it. then use the hardware store keys that cost $2.00 each. no worries about loosing the chipped key, and having to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealer, and pay them for new keys and programing. it is my opinion, that if a company wants to FORCE you to have a security system, then they should supply you with means to opperate it at a REASONABLE cost. OR, have a way to disable the system, if the customer wants this option.

so, anybody know where the sensor is that "reads" the key???