Business Questions? Ask a Locksmith.

[RodVT]

I have been doing auto lockouts for a long time as a part of my towing business and am slowly working into doing home lockouts also. I had a call on New Years eve that was an interesting one to "verify". A friend had locked himself out of his buddy's apartment while his buddy was out of town. The landlord was also unavailable. There was no way any ID would come back to that address. We finally solved it due to the fact that the friend had his prescription meds in the apartment (diabetic) and I checked that they actually matched his ID, so all ended well (especially since it was 15 miles from here).

[eabavlos]

hi i was wondering if anyone knows if i need a license to do auto lockouts in arizona thanks in advance

[Varjeal]

Medical issues such as that would be very difficult to manage. I'm sure what you probably did was have the customer stand outside while you went and checked and after confirming id allowed him entry.

Definitely not a comfortable situation.

eavbavlos: Yes.

[parapilot]

Not sure if i would like to go into someones house alone, you are leaving your self open to all sorts, missing cash etc etc. I would take them in with me and not leave them outside. If it is an issue just call the police, if they dont do a runner when you do that chances are its genuine, and the police can confirm / record their ID, If they come out that is!

[Ollie]

Hi, first post here.

I've been thinking about getting into the locksmithing business for a few years now, and I'm just wondering what the business climate is like in the US Midwest.

I currently work full time in a completely unrelated field and would probably take the Foley correspondence course as an introduction. I don't have any extra money and even less free time but I'm willing to put in the effort if the job market is solid.

Any thoughts, information, or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Varjeal]

The job market is only as solid as you want to make it. If you don't have extra money, wait and save until you do. If your going to go into business, do it right from the start, otherwise it makes it more expensive along the way.

[LP_Sean]

What's the average yearly salary for a locksmith?

[globallockytoo]

What's the average yearly salary for a locksmith?

Check this link....

http://www.usnews.com/articles/business ... mmary.html

[lockpickersmall]

I'm a first time poster, but a long time Locksmith . . . started back in 1980 as a hobby, turned it into a business in 1982. I thought it might be relevant and interesting for some of you to know that I went against the grain back then and jumped in with both feet with almost no money at all. I know the wise thing to do is wait until you have enough to equip yourself fairly well, pick up a good van (for lockouts and rekeys), and advertise. But I had to make do with the barest of bare essentials, a very used van, and advertising in local 'free' classifieds.

It can work. If I did it, it can be done. I certainly wouldn't suggest this approach for someone with a family to support, but if you are young and supporting only yourself . . . I'd say get a start now and take advantage of the multitude of free or inexpensive tutorials and educational material that can now be found online. That's an advantage I didn't have, in 1982.

After one year, I was able to commit to a small YP ad and my business went up a notch, even though I was competing with no less than five very well known, huge Locksmith firms. There will never be a time when people stop needing the services of a Locksmith -- and even if you just concentrate on being a Lockout Technician, there's plenty to go around.

[.45cal]

My brother is an apartment manager and he wants me to replace all the locks for the mailboxes. Some don't have keys or are broken. I am not a locksmith nor have I ever done locksmith work. How much does a locksmith charge preferably in Montreal but any going rates would be helpful so I know how much to charge the building so I don't rip them or myself off.

[globallockytoo]

This is a hobby site. Not a site that tells you how so you can bypass a locksmith.

Why not let a locksmith earn a living too?

[.45cal]

Thanks for your helpful post

[zecle 22]

how would you start becoming a locksmith is there a tech class or do you just have to send out a letter for some sort of on the job training?? about how old would be best to start the training
zc

[Varjeal]

.45 cal. : the easy way to find out rates is to simply call around town and ask for a verbal "estimate".

zecle 22: Not sure where exactly your from, so its difficult to be specific. Generally, speaking though, age doesn't really matter. Start learning and practicing -now-. There are many correspondence courses available, and there may be a school or college offering courses in your area. It'll take a little leg and finger work to find out.

[tacedeous]

im about to complete the foley belsaw course... while i dont feel i will be ready to open a business upon completion... i have learned ALOT, granted you can find alot of the info here on these forum and other places on the net... i find the structure of the course is what i needed, plus havin a keymachine/code cutter is pretty cool...

look around the forums, theres MENY posts about the course, its one of the best... and yes you can still get it for $599 with the pickgun...

happy trails... and dont forget to read, read, read...