Locksmithing is a unique career path, as it is one of the only trades where there will always be a demand. If you are considering becoming a Locksmith in the future, the first step would be to research as much as you can before taking an exciting new leap into your career.
We’ve put together this expert guide on how to start your own Locksmith business and everything you will need to know about starting your career.
What Are The Requirements For Setting Up A Locksmith Business And Do Locksmiths Need To Be Registered?
There are no official requirements to become a Locksmith as the whole industry is currently unregulated with no governing body, meaning that anyone, no matter the knowledge or experience, could become a Locksmith tomorrow.
However, to be a competent Locksmith rather than a cowboy, you will need training and years of experience to be able to handle every situation thrown your way. It is also advisable to have expert training under your belt if and when the industry becomes regulated and qualifications are readily available.
1. Find The Right Courses To Become A Locksmith
The best way to learn the trade is to attend a Locksmithing course. There are a variety of courses on the market that will vary depending on what you are looking to learn and can differ in length and offer specialities depending on the course. These courses should teach you everything you need to know about Locksmithing to establish credibility and strengthen your skills.
What Would A Locksmith Training Course Offer?
Within most all-in Locksmith courses you will learn a variety of techniques that will cover lock identification, operation, opening, fitting and upgrading the most common lock types and brands. However, the level of detail covered within the courses will depend on where you are training and the course type.
We suggest always reading the course description carefully and talking with the providers to find out the course breakdown so that you have all the information about what you are going to learn before the course starts.
How Long Is A Locksmith Course?
As mentioned before Locksmith courses can vary in length depending on where you train, but a full training course should be no shorter than 5 days due to the amount you will have to learn to become a Locksmith.
Although you will have completed a training course, you might find that it will take a couple of years to become fully confident in all situations. Some training courses offer an aftercare service where you can still receive advice from them after you have completed your training. Always research what the courses offer after you’ve completed your training as it will come in handy if you ever have a question or get stuck when out at a property on your own.
Where To Become A Locksmith?
Keytek® Locksmith Academy has a variety of courses available to train to become a Locksmith, two of which are for those just starting out. The first is the only officially recognised Locksmith qualification in the UK and is the 8-day Highfield Level 3 Diploma for Commercial Locksmiths and Property Security. Their other course is the 5-Day Locksmith Accreditation which is approved by the NCFE and taught by industry experts. Keytek® also hold a 1-day Auto Locksmith course, for those who are already established Locksmiths and wish to venture into more niche field to offer their customers more and gain more work!
Keytek® courses are held in Keytek’s NCFE-approved centres. This is based in Poole, Dorset and provides a high level of educational excellence. It’s through this centre that they continue to pledge to their vision of a better-trained, more professional industry.
2. Choose Your Locksmith Business Specialties
The course that you take will determine what services you can offer; will you be an auto Locksmith, domestic or commercial? This choice will then influence the route you go with any marketing you might do to promote your business and the equipment you will need and carry-on board with you.
Keep in mind that most basic courses will cover basic areas but for more specialist services such as auto Locksmithing and safe opening, additional courses may be required.
3. How To Setup A Locksmith Van
If you are going to be a mobile Locksmith, you will need to be able to get around so you will need a vehicle. The best choice of Locksmith vehicle would be a van so that you can hold supplies and tools to complete a job. No matter what vehicle you choose it’s a good idea to add signage to your works vehicle by painting, vinyl or magnetic signs to give yourself and your business more visibility.
Top Tip: Make sure that your phone number is prominent on the side of your vehicle so people can see it clearly and call you when needed.
4. What Tools Do You Need To Become A Locksmith?
The tools and supplies you will need will depend on the services that you are providing. For example, if you are an auto Locksmith you might need a key programming machine and other specialist equipment for the challenges you might face.
For non-specialist Locksmith services some of the most common tools that are recommended are:
- An Electric Pick Gun
- MICA
- Cylinder Jigglers
- Rakes
- Bumping kit
(this is not an exhaustive list)
You will also need to start with a wide range of common Locksmith parts to ensure you have the right equipment when attending a job.
Once again this will require extensive research into what you might need, talking to other Locksmiths and experts in the field, buying from established manufacturers, reading reviews and joining Locksmith communities is the best way to find out everything you need to know.
5. Find The Best Location For Your Locksmith Business
As a Locksmith, you will have to do financial paperwork for customers and yourself, so you will need somewhere quiet to quiet to complete this. It doesn’t have to be a shop, it can be your own home but you will need the space to store equipment and a computer for handling billing, marketing and finances.
6. Set Prices And Create A Financial Plan
Locksmithing equipment can be expensive, so creating a budget for purchases, a break-even plan and a guide for the prices is essential.
With service pricing, do some research on your area and get to know the going rates; this will help you set the prices of your services to suit you but will also help you to be competitive.
What Is A Budget?
A budget is an estimate of income and expenses that a business incurs over a set period. Creating a budget for business enables the owner to better control what is being spent and to make better informed financial decisions. Once you know your in-goings and out-goings you can then determine a price.
What Is Meant By Break-Even?
Break-even is the point where a business’ profit is equal to its costs. This means that anything over this point is a profit for the business. Regarding Locksmiths, this point would tell you how many jobs (of an average rate) you would need to complete before you can start making a profit. Knowing your breakeven point will help you to understand how many jobs you will have to do to make money, which can then inform you what hours you will need to work.
Find out more about creating a break-even chart or use an online break-even calculator.
7. Network With Other Locksmiths Businesses
Associations, like the NGCL, are a great way to be in contact with other Locksmiths, keep up with trends and news and get help in sticky situations. Joining a community allows you to be better informed and you know that there is a network of support should you need it.
There are also national companies that sub-contract work out, such as Keytek one of our trusted Locksmith companies which you can join to supplement your own jobs. This also adds another support system to build your confidence whilst you’re still new to the industry.
8. How To Advertise Locksmith Business
If you have space in your budget, you can employ marketing agencies to handle all of your advertising for you. Although you can start doing the basics yourself if money is tight. Here are some basic things to consider:
- A website
- A listing in the local directories
- A Google listing; with images and location
- An advert in the paper or radio
- Creating a social media profile
What Does SEO Mean?
Another important thing to remember is SEO, otherwise known as Search Engine Optimisation. This will determine where you place in Google listings. You want to be at least, on the first page of Google results when people search for a Locksmith in your area. Having a better SEO will help get you a better ranking!
Get more ideas on how to promote your business and more marketing information by joining small business marketing networks and support groups. Find out more information on SEO and get your questions answered online.
How To Grow Locksmith Business
Start by doing jobs for family, friends and neighbours asking them to refer you to others. If you live in a smaller town, locals will notice your business by seeing your van driving around which will help will local recognition. The best way to gain creditability is through customer recommendations, so ensure from start to finish you set the bar high in terms of customer service.
