UPS score ! maybe...

[Shackle Jackal]

DISCLAIMER -I know this will be a difficult question to answer because I do not have specifics like makes models and amounts, etc.

I have a friend who works managing a UPS store in town. UPS actually used to cut keys for people at this location but have since stopped offering this service. Several months ago I had stopped in to chat with my friend a bit and he mentioned that they had a bunch of keys that they no longer need. So I made an offer, it was run by headquarters and rejected.

I just got a call from my friend that the mother ship had contacted him to see if I was still interested in taking all the keys off their hands. If I had to estimate there would probably be 300+ keys from various manufacturers. I am at a loss for what I should ask, my first offer was rejected, however they are approaching me now so I feel that I may have the upper hand this time. I know this is a super vague question, but what seems like a reasonable ballpark? Do not want to get ripped off, nor offend them. Even a rough idea would be greatly appreciated.

[ltdbjd]

I think the first question is why you want 300 asserted blanks. There is a good chance many of them will be older auto keys, obsolete keys, etc.

You're right about being a difficult question, everybody will have different answers. I would probably ask 10 cents a key; and be prepared for them to counter-offer. Me personally, I'd probably walk away at 16 cents per key.

[Shackle Jackal]

I do not need nor particularly want 300 blanks, i want the handful of them that I can use. I figure If I can get the 300 cheap why not ? Last time when I made an offer It was a halfhearted attempt to get some keys and help a friend clear some space in his store. and to my surprise corporate actually considered it ! I am just not sure as of yet if they will part them out or if they are trying to get the whole sha-bang sold at once. I am going to the shop tomorrow morning to speak with them and see what i can get. I just wanted some sort of idea before I walk in there. Also I just might be that bad at impressioning that I need 300+ keys

[cledry]

$30

[mseifert]

Doing some quick search's.. It looks like blank are going in bulk for about 0.15-0.30$ depending on certain factors (Security Level, Novelty, etc).. So I would offer 0.10 initially and agree walk away at 0.16$, IF you end up with the keys .. keep the ones you want and sell off the remaining, to at a minimum, make back the money you spent .. Maybe a local smith shop will take some of them from you, if you can offer a discounted price..

[Shackle Jackal]

Thanks for all of the advice, I got a really good deal on the whole lot ! I am going to pick them up soon and begin the arduous task of taking inventory.

[billdeserthills]

The North American keys in my shop are all organized in the order of the ILCO key book, the foreign car keys are just alphabetical order
my Dad set it up, but they have been easy to locate, you can find the ILCO key blank directory online, it has a glossary of defunct key
blank makers, so you can figure out what the older, out of production keys are intended to fit

[cledry]

Thanks for all of the advice, I got a really good deal on the whole lot ! I am going to pick them up soon and begin the arduous task of taking inventory.

I once bought @ 35000 - 50000 blanks they had been dumped in cardboard boxes and I had to sort them out. I ended up with loads of really obscure blanks. The lady I bought them from was the widow of another locksmith and this guy bought at least 10 of every key blank as they became available. He ceased trading in 1972 so there was a lot of really old car stuff and blanks for companies that have long since disappeared. Our foreign auto key board alone was 4 feet high by 20 feet long.

[Shackle Jackal]

*** Update - As part of the deal i am also getting a four sided rotating display, it is labeled with a bunch of makers and numbers, broken down into domestic and import auto, and then house and padlock. I still need to get inventory taken and some pictures snapped so I can sell/trade/give away. I think I am going to take all of the automotive keys to a shop here locally build some rapport and try to make a friend.