opinions on a cost delema

[t6]

Ok, I can't seem to find anything in previous threads about anything like this so I'm aking. My delema is that, due to the increadably low population in the area that I live, locksmithing is something I do more for fun than for profit. I work a full time job 22 miles from where I live. Which can make quoting prices interesting and difficult to explain to people who haven't had a locksmith here in decades. Should I charge the same price for both my town and the town in which I work? That has the potential to work for me or against me, depending on what time of the day it is. Having a "home base" territory that strethes 22 miles iregardless of the day and time is a pain. Only thing I can think of is to up the price at night at both places also.

[Bump]

Firstly its difficult to answer such a question when we don't know where you live. Please fill in your profile and then the answer might be relevant to your locale.

Secondly, there is tons of stuff on pricing structures on the forum and another bunch of stuff about business plans etc. The aim is to make ends meet which translates to costs must be less than profit.

Whats your overheads? Vehicle costs, Insurance, Advertising. If you do it for fun rather than profit why charge anything? Be a good samaritan and make the customer smile!

Thirdly, if you are charging for a service, the customer expects a professional job. Do you have the skills, stock and tool support? Do you make the customer aware of what you can achieve? Whats your strategy if and when you meet a lock you can't unlock or repalce?

If you think a terrritory of 22 miles is a pain then I shouldnt bother! Most of the Locksmiths I know will happily travel that distance and more to service a job, in the USA its often three times the distance. Trick is is to factor that into the pricing structure hence you need to do some homework on costs.

This is meant to be constructive and encourage you to use the search function; read past the first page of posts in the discussion forum. Seriously, your question has been asked a dozen times and answered by some good people so you will find all you need to know by using the little button at the top of the page.

Good luck!