Starting my own biz what sort of inventory should i carry?

[jasonthekey]

I'm starting my own mobile locksmith business, I need to know what sort of inventory I should carry and how much based on how often certain items are used or sold? please be a detailed as possible.
I plan on offering the following services: residential lockouts, broken key removal, key duplications, re keying/keying alike, lock installations , burglary repairs, security analysis and upgrades, as far as automotive i plan on just doing lockouts broken key removals and some basic key duplications (meaning I'm not doing transponders vats and laser track keys)is this a bad idea?) and as far as commercial services the same as residential as well as master keying and safe combo changes.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Assuming you have the correct tools, you just need to stock up on some generic/house brand locks (LSDA, etc.) as well as some mid grade to replace customer's locks as needed (Kwikset, Schlage, Arrow, etc.). Basic functions and finishes, with plenty to spare on the more popular ones. Re-order as needed.

You might also want to accumulate some basic spare parts - cams, screws, springs, tailpieces, spindles, snap rings, etc. I've got a nice organized tray dedicated to popular mortise/rim cylinder parts that I use almost every day. There's no sense in replacing an entire lock if we're talking about a stripped screw or broken clip and you can really speed things along if you have just what you need and you know where to find it.

I mean, there is a ton you can carry but realistically you can get by with just some general stuff. You'll soon learn what you need to carry in your area as you're met with challenges that aren't solved by a quick swap out.

[thelockoutguys]

Confederate is right on the money..As you start to do more work you will start to figure out more what you will need..Load your truck/van up with as much stuff as you can hold with out being a mess..I think its better to have to much than too little..if after a couple of months you dont use something take it out of your rig...but theres nothing like being out in the middle of nowhere with out the right tools or hardware ...I still add tools to my vehicle all the time..