Can I use the T300 programmer to start such a business?

[stillstanden]

Can I use the T300 programmer to start such a business?
I'm looking to start a small business offering a discounted service that would make copies of transponder keys. Since dealerships are pretty much charging everyone an arm and leg to do this. I'm thinking this device wouldn't do all cars (especially the high end ones) but would do most common north American cars and popular imports. Not sure if this is the scanner/programmer device I need. Hard to find any in depth info on this device. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[lunchb0x]

The T300 is a Chinese ripoff of Advance Diagnostics tools, the T300 can't be updated from what I have been told, I hope you didn't know this when you got it (if you do have one) and if you are planning on getting one buy the Advanced Diagnostic tools.

And no, you cant start a buisiness from having a T300, there is a lot needed to be able to do this.

[Eyes_Only]

T300 will work for most cars but as lunchb0x stated you cannot update these units so you'll forever be stuck at making keys for cars produced before 07 or 08 if you're lucky enough to get the "latest" produced illegal copy tool.

[SALocksmith]

I've used the AD tools, and I do wonder about the T300. Even if you can only do a few cars with it. AD ripps you off pretty bad with the ridiculous pricing scheme. If their product was resonably priced there would be no market for the T300. The T300 is so cheap in comparison, it's practically beer money, you can barely buy one dongle, or adapter (for an MVP pro or standard t-code) for the price of the entire kit.

[nostromo]

Stillstanden,

If you want to get into this kind business you might consider putting together a business plan. I've found out the hard way that depending on one particular element (like a piece of equipment) makes you very vulnerable. Like the other posters pretty much said, there's a lot to think about.

You need to take into account the key blanks and other supplies you need to keep in inventory, machine updates and just basically keeping up with what the automakers are doing with their security. Like crypto. And an exit strategy- how will you move to something else just in case? You have to have a LOT tied up in specialized inventory.

Overall, auto lockout servicing is a business that's here to stay. You want to make sure you can go along for the long ride. Frankly, I wouldn't want to try it right now. Too much competition. And I'm too set in my ways to take service calls at all hours.

Whatever you decide, best of luck to you!!

[corey2444]

Why not use the T-300 and the MVP? If the T-300 can do what the MVP can do you can save tokens. I agree with some who posted on another thread. AD sticks it to you, and in this economy, they must be smoking something to want to raise prices as they just did with the MVP.

Question:

I was thinking of buying a cloning device. I've heard from a number of sources Zed-Bull is one of the best. I did a search on Google, and all I could find were ones sold from China. I know these are from Turkey, or were they just engineered in Turkey and now made in China? The ones I found all look identical, except some are different colors.

[Eyes_Only]

Why not use the T-300 and the MVP? If the T-300 can do what the MVP can do you can save tokens. I agree with some who posted on another thread. AD sticks it to you, and in this economy, they must be smoking something to want to raise prices as they just did with the MVP.

Question:

I was thinking of buying a cloning device. I've heard from a number of sources Zed-Bull is one of the best. I did a search on Google, and all I could find were ones sold from China. I know these are from Turkey, or were they just engineered in Turkey and now made in China? The ones I found all look identical, except some are different colors.

Yes you can do that. The only thing stopping you would be whether or not you'll feel ok with operating your business with a illegally copied device, that's all. And yes AD prices are very high but I hear their tech support and online resources are very good so that's one advantage to buying the real deal.

If you want a cheap cloning device maybe you can get something called a Genie. It's a little blue device that is sold here, http://www.americanautolock.com/catalog ... ucts_id=81 . I never had the pleasure of working with a cloning device so I can't really offer much helpful advice on the matter. But as for the Zed-Bull I'd be weary of getting one from China. Never heard anything about China being a manufacture or distributor for that tool.

[Evan]

Yes you can do that. The only thing stopping you would be whether or not you'll feel ok with operating your business with a illegally copied device, that's all. And yes AD prices are very high but I hear their tech support and online resources are very good so that's one advantage to buying the real deal.

I think that Eyes_Only hit the nail on the head... Is it ethical to operate a business duplicating keys using a device which has been made and sold without being licensed by the patent holder ?

I don't feel like a locksmithing business should ever operate by means of ethically questionable decisions or practices... But you are asking about becoming a key duplicator so it is your choice but it is one which might limit your future expansion into other aspects of the lock industry so it is one that must be considered carefully...

~~ Evan

[loki-aka]

What this comes down to is, do you feel comfortable using the Chinese made "clone" ?
It is considerably lower in cost compared to the original. I know some here who justify
buying and using the clone by taking the position of the original being overpriced and
unreasonable.

People will 'vote' for clone or original by where they spend their money.

[corey2444]

I hear you can use 2-3 tokens just to make 1 key. What a punch in the gut.

Personally what I'd like to do is buy a cloning machine first and make keys for what I can, and what comes my way for mechanical only, while I focus on residential and commercial. One thing is for sure, you cannot do Auto unless you hit the lottery. Once that million is gone, then you can work on making it back.

[cedrice]

The T300 is a Chinese ripoff of Advance Diagnostics tools, the T300 can't be updated from what I have been told, I hope you didn't know this when you got it (if you do have one) and if you are planning on getting one buy the Advanced Diagnostic tools.

True locksmiths frown on people using knockoff programming machines. Its a pirated version of the TCODE CLASSIC (stolen software) UNETHICAL to buy a programmer with stolen software on it.

[Eyes_Only]

But a surprising number of legitimate locksmiths (by legit I mean those who are licensed) do use these copied programmers.

[fultonsupply]

Im in Manhattan I bought the JMA TRS-5000 Cloner with TPX Devise It clones many cars. Just now I had it updated and bought the TPH cloner to do Philips second gen or philips crypto keys JMA calls them TPX3. You still need the car present which makes it very hard in Manhattan.

I did not buy a OBD programmer yet but when I do, I think the MVP will be my first purchase. You have to understand the chinese equipment has no support and if it fails on you while making a key, then your screwed no real equipment to back it up. As for the pricing YES ITS NUTS! You gotta invest almost $6000 for machine and tokens to pay $11 a token. The keys are cheaper but you still need to get codes for chrysler and nissan as I understand.

Also I heard that the EK key from Bianchi and Ilco. The battery dies after a few years and it earases the programed code. That makes sense and Ilco reps have confirmed it does any one know more about this..