Starting up a locksmith business

[Locksmith1971]

Hi I'm looking to start up my own mobile locksmith business in the UK and wanted a few tips on where to get training and can you really start out on your own with just a 5 day course? Also where to get tools, basic set up costs and what sort of demand is there or is the market saturated?
Many thanks in advance

[Silverado]

There is so much information already available if you go to the forum search function.
To answer your questions:
No you most definitely will not be able to run a business after 5 days of training.
If you don't know where to get tools, how much starting the business will cost up front, or the demand for a mobile locksmith in your locale I think you have a ton more research to do before you jump into it.
We can't answer on the demand of your locale. We don't know where you are so we wouldn't know. Same goes for how much it'll cost ya: we have no idea if you will need licensing or certification. Don't know how much a business license cost la in your area. Those things, you'll need to ask your local courthouse.
Browsing the forums will give you good ideas of where to get tools.

[dtsh]

I wouldn't think 5 days to be nearly enough time to learn anything but the basics and be insufficient experience to do even a very poor job of those things covered in the 5 days.
One of the most important questions to ask before you start a business is "Is there enough demand for my service?", check out other locksmiths in the area and ask yourself how you intend to offer better or cheaper service than they do. Keep in mind you'll have to make enough money to pay for the equipment and stock you don't already have, so you'll be at a disadvantage in more than just experience. Also, don't forget that running a successful business requires far more than knowing how to do the job, you have to understand how to run a business, too. I don't think you're going to get that in 5 days.

[Ralph_Goodman]

I am so excited that you are looking into starting a locksmith business.

I would have to agree with everyone so far. It just does not seem like you should jump into this right now. Maybe not even very soon at all.

With questions like these, I think it makes the most sense not to just research the answers, but to actually start apprenticing with a locksmith. Find out what it really takes to get by in the current economy, and your area, with a person who has seen the changes.

Get the information about how they buy their tools. Pick their brain as you work in the field doing the job yourself.

It sounds like you need the real hands on experience of what it is like to see these places run day in and day out. Being an apprentice should be perfect. Just make sure that you choose your mentor well. You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you.

If you do that for a while and take on the responsibility of buying new tools, keeping up with re-stocking supplies, etc. you should be ready for your own business.

Just be aware that sometimes apprentices are asked to sign non-compete clauses. So be completely open about your desire to open your own shop eventually to avoid this issue.