Discussion
A friend of a friend of the Inlaws has just come out of the Army and they have re trained him so that he has a trade for civilian life. He did some locksmith courses, but has chosen to do something private security related instead, just took the free course while they were offering it. It's my understanding that his choice wasn't for any financial reason, just laziness with setting up a business, buying equipment etc.
I had a little look in to this as I'm sick to death of working for someone else and the politics at work are getting me down to the point where I can hardly stand to go in any more.
As I understand it, you complete some courses (not cheap but not horrendously expensive either), register with a professional body, get some insurances, buy some tools/equipment, and off you go. Tools and equipment not cheap but I can live with that. Obviously a website, advertising and a call out service would help drum up some business, and auto locks, programming keys etc surely is growing.
I live in an area where the market doesn't seem very saturated with this kind of thing, you can also get on to insurance companies book as an approved partner so they'll send you in the event of local claims etc.
I can't help but think it sounds too easy, and when something sounds too easy it's usually because it is. Now I'm not suggesting work would take off immediately, and perhaps its a little ambitious to go flying solo with a locksmith business after just a few courses, but really aside from the initial expense, it seems like a good idea to take a step in to the world of self employment. With that would come its own stresses and strains but I'm happy to give it a go, I have a 'trade' so to speak with my current role and can always go back to it or do some contracting if need be.
I could also fit in the training around work, and get it up and running alongside my usual job.
Does anyone have any more insight in to this, any helpful knowledge or things I may have missed and need to consider?
Obviously I'm doing all the research I can outside of this forum, and due to meet with a local reputable training provider for more information soon.
All advice/criticism appreciated. It's not a calling and may well not be my dream, but I think it could improve my quality of life ten fold and make myself and missus a lot happier.
Cheers
Bob
I had a little look in to this as I'm sick to death of working for someone else and the politics at work are getting me down to the point where I can hardly stand to go in any more.
As I understand it, you complete some courses (not cheap but not horrendously expensive either), register with a professional body, get some insurances, buy some tools/equipment, and off you go. Tools and equipment not cheap but I can live with that. Obviously a website, advertising and a call out service would help drum up some business, and auto locks, programming keys etc surely is growing.
I live in an area where the market doesn't seem very saturated with this kind of thing, you can also get on to insurance companies book as an approved partner so they'll send you in the event of local claims etc.
I can't help but think it sounds too easy, and when something sounds too easy it's usually because it is. Now I'm not suggesting work would take off immediately, and perhaps its a little ambitious to go flying solo with a locksmith business after just a few courses, but really aside from the initial expense, it seems like a good idea to take a step in to the world of self employment. With that would come its own stresses and strains but I'm happy to give it a go, I have a 'trade' so to speak with my current role and can always go back to it or do some contracting if need be.
I could also fit in the training around work, and get it up and running alongside my usual job.
Does anyone have any more insight in to this, any helpful knowledge or things I may have missed and need to consider?
Obviously I'm doing all the research I can outside of this forum, and due to meet with a local reputable training provider for more information soon.
All advice/criticism appreciated. It's not a calling and may well not be my dream, but I think it could improve my quality of life ten fold and make myself and missus a lot happier.
Cheers
Bob
I guess you'd need an extra loud telephone next to the bed for call outs!
Providing youd be competent enough after the courses and wouldn't ruin people's doors etc going out on your own then it sounds like a good idea, people often have no choice and will pay whatever they need to pay to be let in their house, car, whatever quickly.
A relative does this and makes a good living, but has started to branch out in to commercial security (putting alarms in to businesses) as well, which seems to be doing rather well too. That also sounds a bit too good to be true, he bascially buys alarm systems and fits them to a businesses premises and charges a small fortune for it, but they seem to be happy to pay the price!
Providing youd be competent enough after the courses and wouldn't ruin people's doors etc going out on your own then it sounds like a good idea, people often have no choice and will pay whatever they need to pay to be let in their house, car, whatever quickly.
A relative does this and makes a good living, but has started to branch out in to commercial security (putting alarms in to businesses) as well, which seems to be doing rather well too. That also sounds a bit too good to be true, he bascially buys alarm systems and fits them to a businesses premises and charges a small fortune for it, but they seem to be happy to pay the price!
sjg said:
24 hour service? That's always seemed the hardest part if you're a one man band - people need doors opening at unsociable times and if you can't get there quickly then someone else probably will.
You'd think so, wouldn't you? It seems not!Got locked out of my house at about 6:30 on a weekday. Googled some local companies, most didn't even answer. Of those that did, none could actually say if or when they'd be able to, but "might" - not much help when you want to get back in ASAP.
Eventually, I found one - just ONE person who could get there within an hour. Quoted £50. Turned up, lovely chap, opened the door in seconds. Then asks for £30? I hope he does well!
Seems a hard job to me how many times have you used a locksmith in your life I've used one once, a lot of your work would be one off so advertising would cost quite a lot if you went for the auto market you would be looking at 30k investment in equipment. Have you looked at window cleaning which is what I do using pure water I've built a monthly round of 500 customers and turning over just under the vat limit with very little costs main expense being fuel its a great job plus keeps you fit
Don't forget the business you can get when people move house? It might just be me but I *had* to change all the locks. Esp as I got about 2 sets of keys left at the estate agents. TWO? After they had been there 10 years. We have about 6 sets already for various reasons and family etc.
So you could get an in with a local estate agent. You know. 15% off welcome to your new home if you use this guy. If you turn up in a decent looking van an overalls with a nice demeanour you'd be onto a winner.
They guy offered key alike stuff so the porch, door and patio door all have the same key, brilliant.
PS> I would also look at going for Wireless Alarm training. Doesn't look that hard plus a £10pcm contract for call outs... get about 20 of those done a year and you are laughing.
So you could get an in with a local estate agent. You know. 15% off welcome to your new home if you use this guy. If you turn up in a decent looking van an overalls with a nice demeanour you'd be onto a winner.
They guy offered key alike stuff so the porch, door and patio door all have the same key, brilliant.
PS> I would also look at going for Wireless Alarm training. Doesn't look that hard plus a £10pcm contract for call outs... get about 20 of those done a year and you are laughing.
Estate Agents or at least Letting Agents will be a big part of your customer base, we (as a letting agent) even looked at getting our own machine at one point..
Repos are big business as well if you can get in with the management companies, speak to the local baliffs as well..
I think the general public would be quite a small portion of your work..
Chap by me started doing fire doors for student houses etc, now has a seperate van doing locksmithing, he now does emergancy "glazing" ie: if your windows get smashed up on your shop he comes along and boards it all up for you..
You could look at fixing up misted windows as well, fitting locks to windows would no doubt be part of your remit, so a small step to that..
Plenty of scope for expansion!
Repos are big business as well if you can get in with the management companies, speak to the local baliffs as well..
I think the general public would be quite a small portion of your work..
Chap by me started doing fire doors for student houses etc, now has a seperate van doing locksmithing, he now does emergancy "glazing" ie: if your windows get smashed up on your shop he comes along and boards it all up for you..
You could look at fixing up misted windows as well, fitting locks to windows would no doubt be part of your remit, so a small step to that..
Plenty of scope for expansion!
willetttiger said:
Seems a hard job to me how many times have you used a locksmith in your life I've used one once, a lot of your work would be one off so advertising would cost quite a lot if you went for the auto market you would be looking at 30k investment in equipment. Have you looked at window cleaning which is what I do using pure water I've built a monthly round of 500 customers and turning over just under the vat limit with very little costs main expense being fuel its a great job plus keeps you fit
How do you go about setting that up though? Everywhere round me is included in a 'round' and you would be stepping on somebody's toes if you crossed over into somebody else's round?Easy way to find out how busy it is in your locale is to find a job that you need doing at home and phone around for some quotes. If a high proportion don't respond its because they have loads of work and can't be bothered.
You'll also get an idea of how much a job pays.
Sounds like a good idea to me.
Another option would be vehicle crossovers and driveways, although this would need more hardware and for the VCO probably a lot of council training it seems to pay a mad amount. I'm getting a VCO now in a cul-de-sac, single vehicle width, no utilities to move - easy job. Cheapest quote so far is £1,200.
To block the lawn to driveway is coming in at £85 per Sq/m for not very fancy blocks! Lots of people haven't even replied and one said he was too busy to even quote.
There really are loads of trades you could get into and earn a lot for providing decent service.
Just to add my uncle knew a locksmith through polo who had a 928 S4 new.
You'll also get an idea of how much a job pays.
Sounds like a good idea to me.
Another option would be vehicle crossovers and driveways, although this would need more hardware and for the VCO probably a lot of council training it seems to pay a mad amount. I'm getting a VCO now in a cul-de-sac, single vehicle width, no utilities to move - easy job. Cheapest quote so far is £1,200.
To block the lawn to driveway is coming in at £85 per Sq/m for not very fancy blocks! Lots of people haven't even replied and one said he was too busy to even quote.
There really are loads of trades you could get into and earn a lot for providing decent service.
Just to add my uncle knew a locksmith through polo who had a 928 S4 new.
lacax said:
It sounds like you have a good understanding of the basics of starting a locksmith business. Completing the necessary courses and registering with a professional body are important steps to establishing credibility and gaining the necessary skills for the job.
In terms of equipment, it's important to invest in quality tools that will last and perform well. As you mentioned, the initial expense of purchasing equipment may be high, but it can pay off in the long run.
One thing to consider is the level of competition in your area. It's important to research local locksmiths and assess the demand for services. Additionally, building a strong online presence through a website and social media can help attract customers.
As with any business, there will be challenges and obstacles to overcome. It's important to have a solid business plan and budget, and be prepared for fluctuations in demand.
Overall, it's a good idea to continue your research and seek advice from experienced locksmiths and business owners. Good luck in your venture!
It was seven years ago so if they are still researching then they are incredibly slow!In terms of equipment, it's important to invest in quality tools that will last and perform well. As you mentioned, the initial expense of purchasing equipment may be high, but it can pay off in the long run.
One thing to consider is the level of competition in your area. It's important to research local locksmiths and assess the demand for services. Additionally, building a strong online presence through a website and social media can help attract customers.
As with any business, there will be challenges and obstacles to overcome. It's important to have a solid business plan and budget, and be prepared for fluctuations in demand.
Overall, it's a good idea to continue your research and seek advice from experienced locksmiths and business owners. Good luck in your venture!
Alickadoo said:
greygoose said:
It was seven years ago so if they are still researching then they are incredibly slow!
Don't you hate it when the OP doesn't update you.He seems to have vanished, apart from a name change and looking for advice on a career change in 2022.
.Foul Bob said:
A friend of a friend of the Inlaws has just come out of the Army and they have re trained him so that he has a trade for civilian life. He did some locksmith courses, but has chosen to do something private security related instead, just took the free course while they were offering it. It's my understanding that his choice wasn't for any financial reason, just laziness with setting up a business, buying equipment etc.
I had a little look in to this as I'm sick to death of working for someone else and the politics at work are getting me down to the point where I can hardly stand to go in any more.
As I understand it, you complete some courses (not cheap but not horrendously expensive either), register with a professional body, get some insurances, buy some tools/equipment, and off you go. Tools and equipment not cheap but I can live with that. Obviously a website, advertising and a call out service would help drum up some business, and auto locks, programming keys etc surely is growing.
I live in an area where the market doesn't seem very saturated with this kind of thing, you can also get on to insurance companies book as an approved partner so they'll send you in the event of local claims etc.
I can't help but think it sounds too easy, and when something sounds too easy it's usually because it is. Now I'm not suggesting work would take off immediately, and perhaps its a little ambitious to go flying solo with a locksmith business after just a few courses, but really aside from the initial expense, it seems like a good idea to take a step in to the world of self employment. With that would come its own stresses and strains but I'm happy to give it a go, I have a 'trade' so to speak with my current role and can always go back to it or do some contracting if need be.
I could also fit in the training around work, and get it up and running alongside my usual job.
Does anyone have any more insight in to this, any helpful knowledge or things I may have missed and need to consider?
Obviously I'm doing all the research I can outside of this forum, and due to meet with a local reputable training provider for more information soon.
All advice/criticism appreciated. It's not a calling and may well not be my dream, but I think it could improve my quality of life ten fold and make myself and missus a lot happier.
Cheers
Bob
I've just had a look at the accounts for the biggest locksmith in our nearby city. Which has a population of a million people or so. The business seems to be worth about £150k plus goodwill.I had a little look in to this as I'm sick to death of working for someone else and the politics at work are getting me down to the point where I can hardly stand to go in any more.
As I understand it, you complete some courses (not cheap but not horrendously expensive either), register with a professional body, get some insurances, buy some tools/equipment, and off you go. Tools and equipment not cheap but I can live with that. Obviously a website, advertising and a call out service would help drum up some business, and auto locks, programming keys etc surely is growing.
I live in an area where the market doesn't seem very saturated with this kind of thing, you can also get on to insurance companies book as an approved partner so they'll send you in the event of local claims etc.
I can't help but think it sounds too easy, and when something sounds too easy it's usually because it is. Now I'm not suggesting work would take off immediately, and perhaps its a little ambitious to go flying solo with a locksmith business after just a few courses, but really aside from the initial expense, it seems like a good idea to take a step in to the world of self employment. With that would come its own stresses and strains but I'm happy to give it a go, I have a 'trade' so to speak with my current role and can always go back to it or do some contracting if need be.
I could also fit in the training around work, and get it up and running alongside my usual job.
Does anyone have any more insight in to this, any helpful knowledge or things I may have missed and need to consider?
Obviously I'm doing all the research I can outside of this forum, and due to meet with a local reputable training provider for more information soon.
All advice/criticism appreciated. It's not a calling and may well not be my dream, but I think it could improve my quality of life ten fold and make myself and missus a lot happier.
Cheers
Bob
So I think you'll be creating a job for yourself, more than creating a financial behemoth allowing you private air travel. Nothing wrong with that, though.
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