locksmith727 wrote:Does anyone think this is a reasonable approach? How did you (the independent locksmiths) get into the business? I have called around posing as a potential customer, though that may be inconsiderate, and asked for quotes and many wont,or can't, even make a key for my wife's 96' Jetta. The few that do charge twice the national average. Some also tried telling me it was high security. If I can do things such as this for half the price I don't see why it would be unfair to the public, even if I haven't been to trade school or worked as an apprentice. Also from what I understand lockmiths train only in lockouts and such to keep the apprentice from learning too much and taking their commercial accounts. I have skills that I can help the public with. What do you guys think?
I have been practising the craft, since January 1984. I have worked in multiple countries and with many and varied manufacturers products. I have many years experience, but I wake up everyday to new and exciting challenges. I was lucky enough to learn the trade the right way (in my opinion), as an apprenticeship. It was 4 years long (like a college degree) but differed because (at the time) the training through the school comprised 1 day per week attendance at formal training classes and the rest of each week was with my tenured master (the boss).
I learned a great deal from the many tradespeople with whom I have worked. I pursued self-made goals and dreams to further my education through extra training, completing a marketing degree and a diploma in business administration. I also completed a modern management program at a prestigious Australian university. I have regularly (over the years) maintained my training by completing various manufacturers training certificates. I believe it fundamental and important to learn continually and to posess as many manufacturers certifications as necessary.
I run a small business in the midwest. Only going 3 years now and building slowly. I have the training and experience in many facets of the trade including automotive, but I choose not to offer automotive key origination services. Not because I dont know how, but because the obtrusive cost of technology purchase and constant updates, the amount of inventory required to keep onhand, the annual spend on new training and machinery and tools means that I would need to charge similarly to the (expensive) guys you mentioned. And that is just to barely eeke out a living from it.
I know a guy in Canada who takes in $250,000 per year, only doing automotive, but he spends in excess of $50,000 per year on inventory, tools and updates.
It disturbs me everytime I read about novices (please dont be offended) thinking they can enter the trade with no experience and before thoroughly investigating the cost of tools, machinery and training, believing they can perform the job at significantly cheaper prices than those currently plying the trade.
When it comes to advertising, you may wish to consider
this article I recently posted to my blog. I believe that the deceptive tactics employed by many companies, on the past will come back to haunt them.
One One was a race horse, one one won one race, one two was a racehorse, one two won one too.
Disclaimer: Do not pull tag off mattress. Not responsible for legal advice while laughing.
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