Part Time Business While Working Full Time

[Drama]

Is it possible to have a part time locksmithing business while being a full time security technician?

[Beyond]

Is it possible to have a part time locksmithing business while being a full time security technician?

Absolutely. I know there is someone on this forum and in the IRC doing the exact same thing, so I'll respond to this thread in hopes to keeping at the top so he can address you better.

[Drama]

This is great news..I want to here more!

[Gordy]

I am a full time locksmith and I do a bit of part time work to suplement the quiet times, and there are a few.
Locks don't always fail, people don't lose their keys too often and there is only so much work to go round.
I know of a couple of guys that also do locksmithing on a part time basis whilst holding down full time jobs.
Just goes to show that the adverts that say you can earn a grand a week are lies..............

[Drama]

I am a full time locksmith and I do a bit of part time work to suplement the quiet times, and there are a few.
Locks don't always fail, people don't lose their keys too often and there is only so much work to go round.
I know of a couple of guys that also do locksmithing on a part time basis whilst holding down full time jobs.
Just goes to show that the adverts that say you can earn a grand a week are lies..............

Anyone have less depressing news about doing this?

[Eyes_Only]

Maybe if you can find a shop thats looking for extra help. Talk to them about maybe signing up as a independant contractor for them to be on call on certain days and hours. It'll probably be real slow but thats one option if you can find such a shop.

[freakparade3]

I am a full time locksmith and I do a bit of part time work to suplement the quiet times, and there are a few.
Locks don't always fail, people don't lose their keys too often and there is only so much work to go round.
I know of a couple of guys that also do locksmithing on a part time basis whilst holding down full time jobs.
Just goes to show that the adverts that say you can earn a grand a week are lies..............

Anyone have less depressing news about doing this?

It depends on your area. Not all places are like this.

[Varjeal]

Very true. However, I would say this, unless you are starting a new business in a large center that doesn't already have a well established locksmith outfit in it, don't expect to hang your shingle out and be running non-stop 7 days a week 14hrs a day.

Strategic advertising including signage, YP ads, handing out business cards, and introducing yourself to potential clients are only a few of the ways of getting your name around the community. It's hard, tireless work that at first may not seem to pay off, but once the workflow starts you'll be fine.

Make sure you do your homework before your start and be honest about whether your potential company will be able to find a niche in your market. From what I've read the average seems to be 1locksmith per 20,000 people to make a comfortable living and working full time. Realize that this is a variable, but if there's already 5 or 6 "part time" locksmiths operating in an area that size, you're not likely going to be able to steal the whole pie.

[Drama]

If I was to include installing doors, small CCTV, and small access control jobs into the mix (Like for liquor stores). Would this help generate business?

[freakparade3]

If I was to include installing doors, small CCTV, and small access control jobs into the mix (Like for liquor stores). Would this help generate business?

When it comes to door instillation most people don't think of calling a locksmith. Be sure to put it into your advertising so they know. Access control and CCTV are great but may not be the best thing for a part time locksmith. What happens if one of your customers CCTV system quits working at 9:00am and you don't get off your full time job until 5:00pm? They likely will not like hearing "I can't get there for 8 or 9 hours". You will lose the customer and an unhappy customer telling others can kill a business very fast.

[Drama]

If I was to include installing doors, small CCTV, and small access control jobs into the mix (Like for liquor stores). Would this help generate business?

When it comes to door instillation most people don't think of calling a locksmith. Be sure to put it into your advertising so they know. Access control and CCTV are great but may not be the best thing for a part time locksmith. What happens if one of your customers CCTV system quits working at 9:00am and you don't get off your full time job until 5:00pm? They likely will not like hearing "I can't get there for 8 or 9 hours". You will lose the customer and an unhappy customer telling others can kill a business very fast.

I actually would rather have my own small business. But I dont like the idea of loosing money the first years though. Im trying to figure out a way to start growing a business without loosing money.

[Drama]

Anyone else both an employee and self employed?

[scott.475]

I am kind of interested in the same kind of thing. I am doing fine at my regular job, and have many years to go until retirement, and would like to spend that time just learning the trade, so I might have a bit of supplemental income in retirement. So, how do I go about doing the learning/schooling itself on a part-time basis? I only have some evenings, and most weekends, available for training. Any advice? I am in the Seattle-Tacoma are of Washington state.