by whiteknight38 » 14 Feb 2007 13:07
I'd look into automotive, if I we're you. Not just auto openings, but keymaking. At least get your impressioning skills to a high level so you can generate keys for emergencies. Then some day, invest in a code cutter. The reason: very few locksmiths do auto. I don't either, but my company gets at least a call every few days, for lost keys, and I just refer them to other guys.
The ten grand or so, that auto start up capital outlay would probably cost, (I'm just guessing - based on 4 to 6 grand for a cutter, another thousand for codes and laptop) a grand or so for training, and some specialty tools, for steering wheel teardown etc.) would probably be paid off in a year.
One sweet thing about auto, is that when something goes wrong with your car, people are used to paying a lot of money. Every repair seems to be 300 dollars at a minimum, right? So you can get away with charging three times the cost of your regular hourly rate, and nobody blinks.
Ask around in your area, which Lock shops do auto, and inquire about charges.
