Sub Contracting

[LAMBES LOCKS]

Hi
I am a newbie locksmith. I have not long trained and really enjoyed picking locks. ( I got the bug). I was thinking about sub contracting but I don't want to have to go out and drill locks just because a contractor wants to make more money. The more non destructive I can be the better. Any advice out there about sub contracting for these bigger firms? Is there any that are happy with you picking the lock rather than drilling and replacing the lock charging a massive amount.

Thanks

I also want to make a Curtain pick Like I've seen on here any ideas or tips?

[Jaakko]

Could you please put your real location visible to the profile of yyours, so it would be easier for others to advice you Thanks.

I aven't myself yet seen even one who does subcontracting for bigger firms in the field of NDE locksmithing, but it happens.

[LAMBES LOCKS]

When I say curtain pick I mean to pick BS mortice locks with.

[Dean W]

Dont know how upto date this is, but maybe worth a look:

Sources of sub contract work

WARRANT WORK

For warrants you will need a good degree of entry skill,

Dave Yeoman Centurion Locksmiths Tel Dave on 07976246254

Daves contracts are mainly in west midlands and up north, and he doesn’t mind drilling.

Richburns tel tel 0208 5071051

Richburns are nationwide and don’t mind drilling, they book mainly half days.


Teamwork Locksmiths Tel Dougie on 01279 420273

Dougie at teamwork demands high standards, most of his work is full days, he pays on time every month , he demands a true 95% NDE workrate allowing you to drill just 5 locks in every 100 doors you open.


INSURANCE WORK

This work is available nationwide

Security masters , Tel Mark Radford on 07961339207

Mark pays £40 per hour labour mon to fri days and £60 per hour labour nights and weekends and stock at RRP less 20%.


GENERAL SUB CONTRACT WORK

Associated Security Services Tel 01618322777

These use sub contract locksmiths nationwide to service their national contracts with major companies, including Witherspoons , Travel Lodge , Beaverbrooks , JD sports etc, a lot of their work involves safe repair and opening, though they have a lot of general commercial work.

National Lock And Safe 01258 881637

These use sub contract locksmiths nationwide and hold similar contracts to associated with a lot of their work involving safes.

[LAMBES LOCKS]

Thanks for that, Thats great. I think warrant work is just out of my league just yet but give it time and I'll be on it.

[lockey1963]

Of those mentioned in above post;

1) avoid dave yeoman like the plague, hes just made himself bankrupt and knocked alot of good guys for alot of money, only to set up again under a new name, all mentioned in earlier thread specificly on this person.

2) associated and national are both mainly safe opening and servicing, the majority of rest are warrants.

3) if still about mark has some insurance stuff, not best paid but certainly better than nothing.

[Bump]

If you sub contract be prepared to get only 40% - 65% of the fee on average (less VAT). Some companies are good payers, other seem to take their own sweet time.

In all cases you are working for someone else and building up their reputation and market share. Few if any of the mainstream nationals will get on your back for attempting to be NDE so don't worry.

Good things: You get rapid exposure to a range of problems you wouldn't see in years. It's an income as you build your own business.

Bad things: Embarrasing to ask the customer for the rip off fees the nationals charge, even more frustrating when you realise how little you're being paid. You will need to build up a wide stock level to service the range of jobs you will be expected to attend.

Don't accept every job, think how much it's going to cost you to service a contract; ie. fuel, insurance, tools, stock etc. No good travelling 80 miles round trip for a lockout that earns you £26 less costs and tax. You might as well pay them.

As far as warrants are concerned, take it slowly. Make sure you are confident and equiped with all the necessary decoders and picks for the areas you work. Screw up and you will be binned forever.

If you want to learn more about NDE and communicate with like minded souls in the UK you couldnt do better than joining the ICL at http://theinstituteofcertifiedlocksmiths.org/forum/index.php?sid=a80e4944171584b59e3a92354050fbf1

[LAMBES LOCKS]

Thanks for all of the advice & contacts.