Business Questions? Ask a Locksmith.

[alockguru]

I've been a locksmith for about 10 years now and have never used a slim jim. I have a about 6 specialized tools that I use and generally pop any lock in a matter of seconds. I reckon for those who know exactly where or how to bind with a slim jim its the same thing. The problem lies in the people who have no idea what they are doing inside the door and are just forcefully probing around, surely they'd do the same with any tool. Its on the same level as the yahoo's who take a air wedge and blow someones door frame out enough to fit their head in to look around. Knowing how to use the tool is all that matters. I remember once I locked myself out of a civic, I walked around for about 5 mins and found a nice piece of pretty smooth wood that resembled a small wedge, Then luckily enough found some string tied to a street sign. ...

Some cars won't open by lifting the interior handle when the door is locked, so if you know this beforehand it might be useful to use a bypass tool instead of simply airwedging the door and going in with a reach tool.

I never pull the handle on vehicles unless its needed. I always attack the mechanical lock. You can open 99% with just a reach & loop. Least round here anyway. Usually there is a better tool for the job tho.

[globallockytoo]

many modern vehicles today employ significant wiring and other products inside the door cavity, that is sometimes not shielded suitably. many vehicles have edges purposely installed to thwart the slim jim attacks.
using a slim jim is at your own peril because, while they certainly have a use for some vehicles, they are prone to causing significant damage inside a door cavity. Damages that can cost an arm or leg to replace.
This is principally why Slim Jims are not recommended today for most vehicle opening techniques.

[digitaldoorlock]

I am having a samsung SHS-3320 Deadbolt Smart Lock.
Sometimes its does not responds to its correct combinations.
Can you help??

[2octops]

Have you considered calling their customer service or tech support department?

[pridelock]

My business is relatively new, and my main problem is that no one knows about me.
What would you consider 1 the most cost effective and 2 the best form of advertising?

[Varjeal]

A well decal'd vehicle and personal presentation is about your best advertising. A simple, useful ad in your local daily paper and the same in the phone book.

Business cards are helpful, but I personally used to pens with great success.

[Varjeal]

@pridelok: Get yourself involved in your community and area, meet people. Networking, even through social media (fb/twitter/etc.) helps as well. I'm assuming/guessing you are a one man operation. Don't get fancy, keep it simple and professional. Go over and above customer expectations, charge fairly for your work, and be patient.

[globallockytoo]

@pridelok: Get yourself involved in your community and area, meet people. Networking, even through social media (fb/twitter/etc.) helps as well. I'm assuming/guessing you are a one man operation. Don't get fancy, keep it simple and professional. Go over and above customer expectations, charge fairly for your work, and be patient.

That's the best advice.

I've been going about 7 years now and January 2014 was my best month (consistency) in 7 years. Winter is usually very quiet for me. This winter has been the coldest but the busiest so far.

Every customer needs your business card or other identifying marketing product. I use flashlight keyrings with my website, phone number and "LOCKSMITH" only on it. It doesnt have my name and it lives on the customers keychain. Everytime they touch their keys, they see my number. Commits them to memory easily. If you are constantly in their mind, they will call and recommend you.

Do great work, charge fair value pricing. Do not be cheaper than your competition. Offer 90 days warranty on your labor. Do not sell Gr3 garbage. Find and offer products that separate you from the rest of the pack. Dont baffle people with BS. Empathize with everyone.

[Varjeal]

Good point on the quality product. Don't sell junk. It will come back and bite ya eventually....and hard.

[hetz]

As a customer I love free pens. I cant get enough. I use them daily. So if its got your business info on it then I have it.

[ptlockguy]

The two best investments I've made have been business cards, which I printed on my home computer, and a pair of magnetic signs. I changed vehicles a year ago, and the magnets transferred easily. I also got a message license plate, which is $40.00 per year. The magnets were $60.00 for the pair and I know I've gotten 1/3 to 1/2 of my business from them. They are durable, and a great value for a one-time investment. I also joined the state locksmiths association. It takes a while to develop a new business. Also you can get business card size magnets. They're self-adhesive, so peel and stick to the back of your card. Keep passing out cards.
When you do get an opportunity to work, do your best. I've had several repeat customers and referrals.

[locksmith007]

I am confused by the laws in Mass. There is a local locksmith assoc. but currently no licensing is required. I don't understand why they don't implement licensing for locksmiths because we deal with peoples security. It would also help cut down on the illegal locksmith spammers that run around and rob old ladies. Also as far as I know, insurance isn't required either unless job specific ie. large condo building or big commercial job. Can anybody shed light on this or maybe has info on whether there will eventually be license and insurance requirements in MA.

[GWiens2001]

I am confused by the laws in Mass. There is a local locksmith assoc. but currently no licensing is required. I don't understand why they don't implement licensing for locksmiths because we deal with peoples security. It would also help cut down on the illegal locksmith spammers that run around and rob old ladies. Also as far as I know, insurance isn't required either unless job specific ie. large condo building or big commercial job. Can anybody shed light on this or maybe has info on whether there will eventually be license and insurance requirements in MA.

If someone is going to be a scammer, it is very doubtful they would bother with a license. Therefore I doubt licensing would cut back on scammers.

Gordon

[locksmith007]

yes but at least it would act as a small deterrent. It would also encourage more sting operations from authorities. I know one scum bag scammer around here that is abusing the hell out of google maps with like 500+ listings and he found a way to keep making them even when they are deleted. He also spams yelp and many others. This scum bag is also using other companies names, like mine in an attempt to steal business and destroy our well earned reputations. This guy is the perfect example of whats wrong with the locksmith industry and how the government failing to do anything about it is a major problem. I know I'm not the only company that has been effected by this piece of dirt and I'm thankful to the guy who posted this on ripoff report. Check out this link http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Yehuda-Halevy/Brighton-Massachusetts/Yehuda-Halevy-owner-of-Local24locksmithcom-Master-Locksmith-Minutemen-Locksmith-Local-1136113. Also hes not the tough guy he looks like on paper, hes actually a complete who plays telephone tough guy and then runs away. I guess they shut him down a few years ago but he ran back to Israel and came back for more destruction when it cooled off. Heres a funny story, I got called for a lock out once and one of his guys was there trying to open a deadbolt with an air bag(moron)....needless to say the customer told him to leave and I proceeded to pick it and let them in.

[globallockytoo]

I am confused by the laws in Mass. There is a local locksmith assoc. but currently no licensing is required. I don't understand why they don't implement licensing for locksmiths because we deal with peoples security. It would also help cut down on the illegal locksmith spammers that run around and rob old ladies. Also as far as I know, insurance isn't required either unless job specific ie. large condo building or big commercial job. Can anybody shed light on this or maybe has info on whether there will eventually be license and insurance requirements in MA.

Who/why would anyone go into business without any insurance/s? You have to have insurance on your vehicle, right? You cant please all of the people all of the time, so having insurance to protect both you and your customer is vital.

That is crazy.

As to licensing....you dont want it. It is nothng more than a money grab by the governments. There is little to no enforcement and it simply means that the honest operators will have to charge more and keep better records, whereas unlicensed operators will skirt the law forever.

(btw...no advertising allowed here like in your signature)