Questions and Comments on UK Lockie Business

[Marcus_uk]

Interesting thread.

Received our new Yellow pages last week. They have made it smaller in our area I dont know if that is a nationwide thing.

It used to be roughly A4 size now roughly A5 size. The Locksmith section has certainly grown. I have a few old yellow pages from 2003 + 2004. The growth in the number of locksmiths is worrying.....

[Rickthepick]

i heard they got rid of all the free line ads?

[EmCee]

YP is smaller now, but then it's the same size as other directories. Claim is that the A5(ish) sizes are 'easier to put on a shelf than A4'.

Not sure if the free listings have been binned but there are not many 'one liners' and most seem also to have display ads. Oh, and the display ads are not in alphabetical order so all the AAAAAAAA111111111 Locksmith companies may as well change their trading names.

Cheers...

[Rickthepick]

thomson local is shrinking too, i reckon its just cost cutting

[lockgenie126]

hi guys
the Lockie Business is getting harder and more watered Down,in the sea side town where i live there is 6 locksmiths, and plus the Nationals as well, I have spent 6k and still spending,on tools ,van stock as well, "PINKY" is right what hes says, your cant think your a fully City & guilds Lockie in 2 Days, NDE is the way forward,driller Killers are out.
I have been a Lockie for 3 years,and still consider myself a novice, I know "PINKY"
from other forms a good sound Guy,and a top Lockie, you Learn new stuff every time you go out on a job,and never stop learning thats whats "Great" about being a "Lockie" I must add-mitt there is times when i have felt like jack-in but then the phone rings, my website works for me, the yellow pages is S**t ,But its what ever works for you,best add is word of mouth so don't rip people off ,in my small town word soon gets around,Don't take the P**s do a good job,all ways use dust Sheets when fitting a Lock respect other peoples property.
If you naff a job up or Drill a Lock replace it for free.
Good Luck all
lockgeine126

[geraldhornsby]

Roger that.

Doing the biz in the local area can be a bit draining on the wallet but that's how it is if you plan to service those in the area.

I don't have a 9 to 5 job. In fact I'm one of those [EDIT - removed your link as it looks a bit spammy] that can pretty much work all hours of the day (and night).

Good thing the wifey understands I'm not doing anything fishy!

[PBL]

you Learn new stuff every time you go out on a job,and never stop learning thats whats "Great" about being a "Lockie" I must add-mitt there is times when i have felt like jack-in but then the phone rings, my website works for me, the yellow pages is S**t ,But its what ever works for you,best add is word of mouth so don't rip people off ,in my small town word soon gets around,Don't take the P**s do a good job,all ways use dust Sheets when fitting a Lock respect other peoples property.
If you naff a job up or Drill a Lock replace it for free.
lockgeine126

Can't agree more lockgenie126, for me word of the mouth works best. One good and thankful client can refer to me 5 others. One of my "loyal fans" found me over 10 clients. I decided to show her my appreciation and did some minor repairs for her for free. I've been over 10 years in this biz now and I believe doing well in it depends on 50/50 - your professional skills/and your people skills.