Starting a business

[locksmith727]

I live in Florida. There are no requirements in this state. If you can install locks, master key, rekey, key alike, pick locks, bypass locks, repair locks, duplicate keys, impression keys, and cut by code, have the tools and inventory is there really anything stopping you from getting a business line and opening up shop or does apprenticeship and/or a certificate really necessary?

[globallockytoo]

I live in Florida. There are no requirements in this state. If you can install locks, master key, rekey, key alike, pick locks, bypass locks, repair locks, duplicate keys, impression keys, and cut by code, have the tools and inventory is there really anything stopping you from getting a business line and opening up shop or does apprenticeship and/or a certificate really necessary?

It all comes down to credibility and whether the customer cares to check your bonafides.

I am not in Florida, but I regularly field calls from people all over Florida wanting to purchase my products, primarily because the so called "locksmiths" dont have a clue.

Is an apprenticeship necessary? No. But it is a very good system of learning and the certificate of proficiency that comes at the end is worth gold.

Is it necessary to complete an apprenticeship to be a cook? No. But the system of training is viewed as a prerequisite.

Is it necessary to complete an apprenticeship to be a carpenter? No. But it helps the employer know that you are qualified by national standards.

Is it necessary to go to university to be a doctor? NO. But to be accepted as one, Yes.

[locksmith727]

I get what your saying. This is not brain surgery we are talking about though. We are talking about locks that can be bypassed with a screw driver, a pry bar or a decent kick. Is smash and dash not the most common type of burglary? Do burglars usually pick a lock, therefore making medco locks and such truly the most secure type of lock? Is a lock's security not based only on the ignorance of the public? Forums such as this are more of a threat to our security that a locksmith that is self taught and yet everyone here participates. As for the Floridian "locksmiths" tell me if this is logical (Those that are not taught locksmithing by a locksmith are not locksmiths) and (Those that created locks were not taught by locksmiths) therefore (Those that created locks were not locksmiths).

[globallockytoo]

I get what your saying. This is not brain surgery we are talking about though. We are talking about locks that can be bypassed with a screw driver, a pry bar or a decent kick. Is smash and dash not the most common type of burglary? Do burglars usually pick a lock, therefore making medco locks and such truly the most secure type of lock? Is a lock's security not based only on the ignorance of the public? Forums such as this are more of a threat to our security that a locksmith that is self taught and yet everyone here participates. As for the Floridian "locksmiths" tell me if this is logical (Those that are not taught locksmithing by a locksmith are not locksmiths) and (Those that created locks were not taught by locksmiths) therefore (Those that created locks were not locksmiths).

This forum is all about the sport and hobby of picking locks. It is not about and does not condone criminal activity, which is why there are advanced forums allowing discussion of advanced techniques and material.

This is not a site tailored to locksmiths. In fact many locksmiths refuse to come here. (it seems many have a pick up their arse). The few locksmiths that do come here, realise that the hobbiest and locksport community could be vital to the longer term viability of the industry. It is only with open discussion on multitudes of topics related to locks and locksmithing, can manufacturers and locksmiths alike, hope to learn what the consumer market might want. (the closed and restricted locksmith sites cannot ever hope to provide that kind of feedback).

Many locksmiths of (recent) yesteryear are aware of the "Security by Obscurity" debate, whereby, the technical complexities of locks and their construction were hidden from the market, effectively playing on the public's ignorance. The bump key phenomenon put pave to that, much to the angst of many locksmiths and that same interest seems to have spawned a now huge locksport and hobbiest community.

Do burglars usually pick a lock?........The short answer is No. But with the increase in available information and skill disclosure on the world wide web, it might be an increasing problem. It is very difficult to accurately determine if indeed a lock has been picked, even with forensic locksmithing.

Most of the modern manufacturers of locks are not locksmiths. But to be fair, the manufacturers are not trying to defeat locksmiths, they are trying to provide solutions that better protect the consumer from people other than locksmiths.

(I should be in politics)

[locksmith727]

Yeah, you would had been a good politician. I see people on here like myself trying to make an honest living and everyone is discouraging them from doing so. I think if they have a service they can provide to the public and they do it legally they should go for it. Locksmiths specialize in different areas. Residential locksmithing for example is so elementary there is little skill needed. To all those that want to be a locksmith realize the ones that go to "school" here in the states are required to take a two year course that they attend one day a week. Add it up and it comes to 104 days. Three and a half months of full time training. I am in college at the moment full time. My MBA will take five years to obtain attending seven days a week. That takes 17 times the effort. Obviously gaining the knowledge to be a locksmith is not as difficult as some may make it seem. Do not be discouraged to pursue your dream!

[femurat]

Nothing is so elementary there is little skill needed. Even unscrewing a bolt is a kid's job, but being a mechanic is another story.

I'm a big fan of apprenticeship. I strongly believe that experience worth more than a degree. But you have to have your experience the right way, with somebody that can drive you, teach you, show you... When you work as an apprentice you're not only learning the ropes, this is just one of the many skills you'll need. During your experience you'll learn how to approach difficult situations, solve unexpected problems, how to plan and do things properly.
You may expect a lot of trouble if you start a business and you're not enough prepared.

I don't want to discouraged you to pursue your dream, I'm just giving you a free advice.

Good luck

[npdaniels]

Well said globallockytoo

I too started locksmithing by myself, with a one year course, no apprenticeship. Its difficult but can be done. My advice stay away from automotive work in the beginning till you gain experience. Also a second piece of advice, if you can work with a master locksmith, their knowledge will take you farther then you could ever get on your own.

If I had the chance to work with another locksmith I would work for free, just to gain the knowledge they have acquired over the years.

If your on the ball you can make it, but make sure your work is quality or your name will get around fast (not in a good way ) .

Good luck don't be discouraged, be aware.

[locksmith727]

Well said globallockytoo

I too started locksmithing by myself, with a one year course, no apprenticeship. Its difficult but can be done. My advice stay away from automotive work in the beginning till you gain experience. Also a second piece of advice, if you can work with a master locksmith, their knowledge will take you farther then you could ever get on your own.

If I had the chance to work with another locksmith I would work for free, just to gain the knowledge they have acquired over the years.

If your on the ball you can make it, but make sure your work is quality or your name will get around fast (not in a good way ) .

Good luck don't be discouraged, be aware.

Please tell me what you did and your experience with the business.

[79commando]

I think your missing the point by saying someone can become a locksmith in a few months as opposed to gaining an MBA after 5 years study. One is quantifiable in that after 5 years you should have been taught the fundamentals to gain an MBA, in most cases and I can bet University Degrees are made up of 75% padding to make the qualification mean something as it takes time to learn.

With locksmithing some people call themselves locksmiths after doing a five day course yet others have been in the business for over forty years and say they are still learning. Take lockpicking for instance, I've spent literaly thousands of hours over the years practising picking locks as it's an area in my work where the expertise is required. I read books on the subject and research locks via the web. If I added all my hours together it would dwarf most degree courses yet I'm no where near what I'd view as a locksmith.

If you select one area of locksmithing to concentrate on say changing locks and repairing doors after the scum bag has forced entry don't call it locksmithing, that's a handy man. It's like someone with a paper round saying they are as good a businesman as someone with an MBA.

Apprenticeships do tend to be the better way of learning but only if you have the correct tutor and in todays market they are few and far between.

Yeah, you would had been a good politician. I see people on here like myself trying to make an honest living and everyone is discouraging them from doing so. I think if they have a service they can provide to the public and they do it legally they should go for it. Locksmiths specialize in different areas. Residential locksmithing for example is so elementary there is little skill needed. To all those that want to be a locksmith realize the ones that go to "school" here in the states are required to take a two year course that they attend one day a week. Add it up and it comes to 104 days. Three and a half months of full time training. I am in college at the moment full time. My MBA will take five years to obtain attending seven days a week. That takes 17 times the effort. Obviously gaining the knowledge to be a locksmith is not as difficult as some may make it seem. Do not be discouraged to pursue your dream!

[locksmith727]

[quote="79commando"]I think your missing the point by saying someone can become a locksmith in a few months as opposed to gaining an MBA after 5 years study. One is quantifiable in that after 5 years you should have been taught the fundamentals to gain an MBA, in most cases and I can bet University Degrees are made up of 75% padding to make the qualification mean something as it takes time to learn.

With locksmithing some people call themselves locksmiths after doing a five day course yet others have been in the business for over forty years and say they are still learning. Take lockpicking for instance, I've spent literaly thousands of hours over the years practising picking locks as it's an area in my work where the expertise is required. I read books on the subject and research locks via the web. If I added all my hours together it would dwarf most degree courses yet I'm no where near what I'd view as a locksmith.

If you select one area of locksmithing to concentrate on say changing locks and repairing doors after the scum bag has forced entry don't call it locksmithing, that's a handy man. It's like someone with a paper round saying they are as good a businesman as someone with an MBA.

Apprenticeships do tend to be the better way of learning but only if you have the correct tutor and in todays market they are few and far between.

I understand that apprenticeship is the better way of learning. Apprenticeships are difficult to find, and if you do find a position you probably wont be taught the whole trade by the company due to the risk of the apprentice going on his own and taking contacts with him. All I am saying is there are a few ways to become a locksmith. You can attend a school, serve an apprenticeship, teach yourself or all of the above. Some are better than others. The end goal is all that matters. The gentleman above stated that he owns his own business and did not serve an apprenticeship. He is still a locksmith. If I lived in his county and I needed a locksmith I would call him and given he provided the service I requested I could care less how he obtained his skill. He is a locksmith. He can help people. He is a legitimate, skilled and knowledgeable asset to the community, period.

[jdislandlock]

i am on an apprenticeship and i love it.... learning by myself would take me alot longer
to know what i know already. I feel i have 2 of the best locksmiths around, very professional, Very Smart,
and they have made my life better just by teaching life skills not nessasarely just about locksmithing
I am very greatfull to them. All i can say about starting a business is just make sure
you are doing quality work and just keep it up and try and get as much good PR As you can....
PR is the best advertisment.

Best of luck

[NewSBowner]

A lot of times when there are no requirements or credentials required, the market is flooded with many people who have the same feelings you do. However, that can be an advantage to you if you differentiate yourself from them by running the best business in town. To be successful in business you either have to be cheap or unique...if you can provide an alternative and honest business...it would be worth a shot.

[Varjeal]

I live in Florida. There are no requirements in this state. If you can install locks, master key, rekey, key alike, pick locks, bypass locks, repair locks, duplicate keys, impression keys, and cut by code, have the tools and inventory is there really anything stopping you from getting a business line and opening up shop or does apprenticeship and/or a certificate really necessary?

The short answer IF your research is true (and I think it is) is "no". There isn't anything stopping you at all.

Is apprenticeship or a certification really necessary? Well..yeah, if you wanna be able to not just do all those tasks you mentioned above but do them correctly, professionally, and efficiently and use those skills at the right time. Included, of course, are the many additional functions that you apparently are not aware of that many locksmiths provide.