Business Questions? Ask a Locksmith.

[cledry]

We get most of that work though our security partners. They advertise but we do the mechanical side of the install. So really for us no need to advertise that side of things.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Quick question on other smiths opinions. We own a pretty decent sized outfit that covers multiple markets. We are teaming up with a small electrical outfit in an attempt to get into security systems, cctv etc. The state we lived in requires atleast a small voltage license with clearances to do this work. Unfortunately we were all just mechanical locksmiths so we are forced to partner up with a licensed electrician, this States laws dictate that you can't so much as advertise security systems or anything electrical related without a license. Some smiths ignore this but I run a clean operation so..it is what it is.

With this being said we are going to start advertising for security systems work, access control, cctv etc.

Does any one have tips on how a locksmith would generate more electrical type security work?, I keep hearing about other smiths getting security work but we don't seem to get those calls. Any suggestions ?

Mail ads ?

Name change to include "security"?

Targeted paid online adds? (Rip off imo)

Any ideas or suggestions would be great

I'll start sharing my secrets now that I'm no longer in that line of work and have no desire to ever return.

Start with your repeat customers. Let them know you're doing the work. Email them or verbally let them know the next time you're finishing up at a job.

Partner with integrators, like cledry alluded to. I've done A LOT of work with integrators that don't bother with locks or locking hardware, mechanical or electrical. I've seen them install maglocks and electric strikes on rare occasion but rarely anything beyond that and that definitely isn't the norm. I've even done work with integrators that subcontract every aspect of the installation but programming. Stay in their good graces. If your state is anything like Georgia, you will need one of your references on your low voltage application that is already a low voltage contractor and can verify your competency.

If you already aren't working towards getting your low voltage license then do so. One less thing to rely on from someone else.

Obviously update your website, social media profiles, vehicle signage, etc. to reflect the new services.

In my experience, the majority of locksmith business falls under two categories: repeat and referral. If you can let your existing customers know that you do access control, CCTV, etc. then you'll be covering your bases on the largest portion of your business.

[herolocksmith]

How does being on call 24/7 affect your home life? I mean, dude, when do you sleep?! Do you just switch off your cell phone (I presume you only use a cell phone and dont give out your landline numbers to customers) when your doing family stuff, or do you feel obligated to leave it on and just refer business to friends? Does the workload place much stress on the partner/kids etc? How much spare time to you generally get?

Like my other questions, this seems to be getting personal. Please feel free to use your friends info like before (& hope he doesn't read this forum!).



Referring back to british locksmith's, its sad to see that you've heard all these bad things. I sure hope you got it wrong somewhere along the line, though from my past experience I suspect you didn't; the locksmith's I've had to call out always seemed to be in a rush. Their cell phones would ring every minute or two, and they'd generally look very stressed and busy.

I've just been browsing my yellow pages for local locksmith's, and found that many of the ad's contain "no callout fee!" slogans. This seems to conflict with your situation of using fixed callout fee's in Canada etc. Unless I'm mistaken (perhaps the ad's wern't specifically mentioning lockout situations, although they seemed too), then perhaps british locksmiths make their money by the time it takes to do a job etc. This seems a little strange because if it were the case you'd expect them to take their time rather than rushing, unless they make less money and have to fit in more clients.

Once again, may I request that a british locksmith write a parallel of this thread for the european forum? It would be enlightening to contrast the british experience from the canadian one. Cheers.

From a British perspective, no call out fee is the norm. I charge £60 for a lockout, then if required parts and labour on top if any replacements etc. are required. I only put my price up after 11pm through til 6am. Most locksmiths in my area charge way more, but I'm sure long term they won't be keeping their customers.

If you want to make decent money in the business- it's 24/7, of course I take time off, but you can never predict your spread or frequency of jobs over a week. I can sit home all day with my family, then suddenly get 5 jobs on the bounce. I'll never take time off in a week until I've at least satisfied my targets or a realistic part of my targets.

Start up costs can be high if you want a comprehensive tool set. I've got expensive tools in my van that I've never used, but one day I will. You should really get everything. Letterbox tool is a must. Some people overlook it, but you'd be silly to.
I'd say a sign written van is a must too- if you turn up in a car and get your tools out of the boot, it screams COWBOY! In my opinion. Professional image is the way forward with branded clothing too.

Hope this helps

[GWiens2001]

If you turn up in a car and get your tools out of the boot, it screams COWBOY!

Having spent time working on a cattle ranch here in Arizona back in my youth, I have to ask... "What is wrong with a cowboy???"



Gordon

[Ralph_Goodman]

"What is wrong with a cowboy???"

I think it's some quality branding. "The Cowboy Locksmith".

Seems like a solid persona.

Certainly memorable if nothing else.

[cledry]

"What is wrong with a cowboy???"

I think it's some quality branding. "The Cowboy Locksmith".

Seems like a solid persona.

Certainly memorable if nothing else.

Different connotation entirely in the UK. In the US it would be a hacker or scammer.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

"What is wrong with a cowboy???"

I think it's some quality branding. "The Cowboy Locksmith".

Seems like a solid persona.

Certainly memorable if nothing else.

Different connotation entirely in the UK. In the US it would be a hacker or scammer.

I've also heard "Chuck in a truck" and of course, "Trunk slammer".

[frogman185]

Newbie here and thanks for your opinion on this, I would appreciate it.

Looking to make a career change and have been researching an area I wish to move to.
Moving to another state east of Texas where it's NOT so hot
Within an hour's drive there are 7 counties, with a population of 525,000 people, and 25 registered Locksmith's
the largest cities have 253K people and 113K people,58K , 32K and 40K people, then all the other smaller towns
11 major industries
100+ banks
county buildings
city buildings
multiple office buildings
apartments complexes
condos
federal buildings
grocery stores
clinics / hospitals
strip malls
malls
country clubs
etc
2 1/2 hours away are 3 ca sinos

I plan to attend LSI in Kentucky, take the professional locksmith class, safe class and whatever else i need, I am mechanically inclined, very knowledgeable in construction.
My interests are in safes, safety deposit boxes and the like...I hear one can make a good living doing this.
But, I am interested in what makes money, period. I have read in these posts, commercial business is the only way to go.
I am not afraid to hussle and get business, and have business experience also.

What are your recommendations on how to proceed?
Thanks so much for your time.

[Ralph_Goodman]

Looking to make a career change and have been researching an area I wish to move to...

I plan to attend LSI in Kentucky, take the professional locksmith class, safe class and whatever else i need, I am mechanically inclined, very knowledgeable in construction.
My interests are in safes, safety deposit boxes and the like...I hear one can make a good living doing this.
But, I am interested in what makes money, period. I have read in these posts, commercial business is the only way to go.
I am not afraid to hussle and get business, and have business experience also.

What are your recommendations on how to proceed?
Thanks so much for your time.

Just for clarification, your plan is to take some classes, and before ever working as a locksmith in the field, you are looking to start your own locksmithing business?

If I am incorrect in my understanding, I apologize. But if I have understood properly, I would suggest looking into which one of the 25 registered locksmiths you want to apprentice with/work for.

You want some serious onsite training and experience, especially if you want to go into the commercial side of locksmithing.

As part of your business plan, you should consider planning for how much time you will spend on your education (in this case that includes work experience).

That would be my two cents.

[frogman185]

Thanks Ralph_Goodman for the response. I have been considering that, and coincidentally there is a locksmith wanting to sell his business and I am in the process of working out a relationship there which could be a win-win for both of us!

[frogman185]

....and that's why I am submitting this for your thoughts and/or direction.
and am asking for "next steps", so thanks so far and hope someone else responds

do most banks have safety deposit boxes?
Does FDIC require spam and banks to maintain them yearly, which initiates a locksmith call??
I am thinking most businesses have floor safes etc, vaults, that need attention from Locksmith's?
I think a growing number of people are buying safes for home, vs getting safety deposit boxes, so they need to be moved anchored, serviced??
is there a niche out there that is not being serviced like it should?
any ideas and thoughts would be apprectiated
Thanks!

[frogman185]

would appreciate any other help, thanks!

[Squelchtone]

would appreciate any other help, thanks!

Its the weekend boss, folks arent sitting here waiting to answer questions like we're an Amazon.com customer service call center. Please be patient as folks finds your post and reply to it. Sometimes it takes a few days to a week or two to get a handful of good replies.

[globallockytoo]

I've been locksmithing almost 35 years now and on 4 continents. It is not a difficult trade to perform, however it does require dedication and passion. It's not just a job. It's not just a way to make money. It's a career, a passion, a lifelong learning trade.

Safes are but one facet that is interesting, although can e difficult to find regular work in. Dedicated safe companies will have a factory and/or a showroom for service and sales. Many will offer site attendance services too and they can be expensive. I find that not as many businesses have and use safes as you'd expect. With current electronic technology, there is not a lot that can go wrong with safes, apart from lost combinations, flat batteries or operator error and often performing these services can be an expensive exercise.

With the penchant to purchase garbage quality safes today, thanks in part to the Wal-Mart mentality, many safe projects involve simply busting the darn thing open, then buying another POS from the nearest big box store.

Yes, there is call for servicing and re-combinating safes. But not as large a market as you think and consequently many technicians charge handsomely for their knowledge and experience.

Other aspects/facets of the trade can be significantly more profitable. Auto, commercial, residential locksmithery continue to offer regular work.
Like other posters have said, entering the trade without any training or knowledge is a recipe for disaster. I suggest trying to get a job and discovering if indeed you can develop your passion. Many cannot. Many find that the trade is not for them.
Good luck.

[d_Random]

What the approximate profit for making transponder keys?