just started my business

[kodierer]

So far I am only able to offer automotive, and residential lockout services, key duplication, and residential re-key for weiser, schlage, and kwikset.

I would also like to be able to sell locks. Particularly on the higher security end. How do I go about getting those(medeco, sargent greenleaf, abus etc..) at wholesale prices?

I am at the moment unable to re-key commercial locks, or service safes due to a lack of experience with safes, and I'm just not sure what to stock up on in the commercial end for pin kits.

Any advice would be great.

[keysman]

If you are in the SLC area you can open an account with INTERMOUNTAIN Lock.

Try this link:
http://www.imlss.com/pageview.aspx?id=11021


>>>I am at the moment unable to re-key commercial locks,<<<

Why is that ? There is VERY little differance beteween commercial and residential locks.. You may want to get a " Universal Pin kit" check intermountain .. about $120 and you will be abe to repin 95% of all locks you run across.

You should seriously consider investing in a code machine .. it makes locksmith life so much easier and profitable.

[jimb]

Like keysman said buy a universal pinning kit and you will be able to almost all residential and commercial rekeys. Most commercial locks are actually easier then the residential locks. Besides that most customers don't know what brand of lock they have on the door, so you need to be prepared for all normal pin tumblers which the universal kit can handle.

[kodierer]

I only bought pin kits specific to a few brands of locks. Thanks, I'll get a universal pin kit. My business is actually located in Evanston Wyoming, but thats only about an hours drive from SLC. I think I'll use that company to get my locks. The other major locksmith in my area is selling people kwikset door locks, and master lock pad locks. No different than Wal-Mart.
I want to offer my customers a better alternative. I am currently building a website for my business where I will offer people education on the locks that they buy to encourage them to spend the extra dollar and get a better lock. Its a must do in a time where anyone with any intention can go on the internet and learn to bypass a lock.

[prag]

kodierer wrote

I want to offer my customers a better alternative. I am currently building a website for my business ....

Let us know when your web site is up and running. I also feel the same way about educating the customer about good locks as compared to cheap locks. It creates a niche market and we really can't compete with the 'big boys' but we can offer an intelligent and informed alternative to these cheap locks. This advice will allert the customer that you know your product and you're not some sales person just selling some lock to somebody.

[rat eater]

If you can't aford a code cutter yet consiter a punch you can find them at intermountain there Great people.

[globallockytoo]

do you charge more for pinning with factory original pins?

I always wondered the point.

I know it is usually better for master keying, but with the quantity of people that go and get a spare key at the hardware instead of a factory original from the locksmith, I really dont see much reason for using factory original pins.

[kodierer]

I don't use factory original pins.
Globallockytoo, may I ask what you use to remove the "c" clamp? I've been using a thin pair of scissors, and I must say its a pain the ass sometimes.

[globallockytoo]

I don't use factory original pins.
Globallockytoo, may I ask what you use to remove the "c" clamp? I've been using a thin pair of scissors, and I must say its a pain the donkey sometimes.

I have always used a small blade screwdriver. Always worked best for me. On Euro cylinders, sometimes 2 small blade screwdrivers.

You can purchase circlip pliers made specifically to remove circlips too. They are the correct tool to use.

[sds]

Congrats on your new business. I like the national locksmith's "test" of a cheap lock system versus a good quality setup. They might let you excerpt or link to the page on your site. the url is

http://www.thenationallocksmith.com/public.asp?2

It is pretty self explanatory. "This is what you get for your money."

In my shop we keep a few high quality deadbolts which have taken a beating(hammer, axe, etc..) and kept the vandal out of the building. These help us to show customers the quality of our hardware, making my job a lot easier.

[moosekey]

Just curious as to why you would not just enter a trade but open a business in this trade with little or no experience?

Why Locksmithing ? Why not just open a hanger and fix air planes ?

Why not just work some where for a few years to learn the ropes for a bit? That way you'll know what to charge as well instead of loosing your shirt on every job and hurting your competitors. Lack of knowledge and poor workmanship can also cripple a reputation for life.

Where I live. A locksmith must have at least 3 year full time experience then pass a C of Q test to apply for a business licence. Then there are Govt. background checks, personal licencing, bonding ( No ALOA and LL don't count as propper bonding here, must be by an insurance carrier ) and last but not least a Security / Locksmith business needs major insurance.

Moose.

[behrlock]

Ah I see we run into each other again Moose. FYI I'm from one of those so called Provinces that is regulated. Yes I agree with it all but things weren't always this way. (BTW regulated is better for the trade)

The only thing I don't agree with Moose is running a guy down who's just trying to put food on the table, maybe you should be helpfull to these guys instead of just blowing a fog in front of them.

[globallockytoo]

Ah I see we run into each other again Moose. FYI I'm from one of those so called Provinces that is regulated. Yes I agree with it all but things weren't always this way. (BTW regulated is better for the trade)

The only thing I don't agree with Moose is running a guy down who's just trying to put food on the table, maybe you should be helpfull to these guys instead of just blowing a fog in front of them.

Hey Mr Behrlock.......why is it that you write in a very similar style to moosekey? are you the same person? are you arguing with yourself?


very odd!

[globallockytoo]

Ah I see we run into each other again Moose. FYI I'm from one of those so called Provinces that is regulated. Yes I agree with it all but things weren't always this way. (BTW regulated is better for the trade)

The only thing I don't agree with Moose is running a guy down who's just trying to put food on the table, maybe you should be helpfull to these guys instead of just blowing a fog in front of them.

Hey Mr Behrlock.......why is it that you write in a very similar style to moosekey? are you the same person? are you arguing with yourself?


very odd!

[freakparade3]

Hey Mr Behrlock.......why is it that you write in a very similar style to moosekey? are you the same person? are you arguing with yourself?


very odd!

As a matter of fact it is odd. It's the same IP for both users. I smell a rat..... Or a crazy locksmith who loves to talk to himself.