Becoming a Locksmith or not?

[remepsi]

Hi,
I am comming to the end of a 22year career in the Army and its now time to decide what to do in civie street. I am a Mechanic by trade however I feel like I need a change. Luckily for me the Army will retrain me and I was thinking about becoming a Locksmith.
Planning to settle in the Swansea/Carmarthen area so wondering what the prospects are like in those areas and what sort of income I could expect to earn? Any help or advice would be great.

Cheers Paul

 

[JADEMEDIA]

I would go for it Paul. Those guys do well particularly if they put theirselves about. First stop the local crime prevention officers. 2 nd write to all the major insurance companies and get on the pproved list. Most people have to find £60 - £100 quid if they lose their purse or wallet and are locked out. If you don't mind waiting for cheque from the insurance for a week you are really in business - but make sure the claim has been approved first.

The other area you should make sure in your training is at electronic locks re both small safes and cars.

Good luck and stay safe . Jade

 

[Slartibartfast]

I would say, research very carefully!

Here's a fairly recent thread which has some useful info:

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=83439

There are other threads too if you search.

I looked into this a while back, and did a LOT of research into the area I was considering (Mid wales, further up above you . I also looked into franchises and decided they were definitely NOT worth the money.

Good luck, but be wary of splashing your cash on something that sounds too good to be true...

Cheers,
Slarti.

 

[plotter]

funnily enough i just had a locksmith out just to change a barrel, it took him 10mins and i got billed £40.00. So i suppose if you can get the work, you could earn a pretty penny, as with everything though its getting the work, i would try myself, even if it takes a year to get a decent amount of local work coming in. Im from crosshands by the way, in between swansea and carmarthen..

 

[remepsi]

Thanks for the advice on both sides. Still in two minds about giving it a go.However wondering what the best way to find out what the market is like in my area. Is there a website I could find out info such as how many locksmiths covering my area. Also does anyone know what sort of income I could expect to earn. Luckily enough I will have a pension which isn't enough to live on but it deffinately helps.

 

[Williams lester]

Have you tried looking on yell or google for locksmiths in a particular area....this should give you a fair starting point to see how many advertise in the local area.

 

[plotter]

two words mate

Yellow pages
99% advertise in it

 

[jim-locksmith]

you can set an hourly rate to US $ 65 which should be more for holiday and Emergencies. you can set your own timing and earn as much as you wish

 

[mdavy]

the aa are offering a new role all over the uk and give you van equipment etc but... although there are plenty of locksmiths course and I am sure you cud do one on resettlement then they want experience
so if you can get a paid job to gain exp or go it alone and maybe struggle it def is a good role
the aa are paying something like 35k and more if you are willing to work and take on other jobs

good luck
look on aa website

 

[safetynut]

If you are considering on becoming a Locksmith try this for starters > Locksmith Training Manual

 

[danedwrds]

Is becoming a locksmith still a good idea? I've been looking around, I've even read some of the posts on this site and it seems as if the market is really saturated since there are more service providers that people who actually use the service of a locksmith.

 

[firesafetyguru]

National training courses do a two day intensive locksmith course at nationaltradecourses.com take a look

 

[Geoff T]

look at networking for a regular income...

 

[LAJLOCKSMITH]

First Of All Check All Types Of Ads In Your Targeted Area Including Papers And Local Mags,this Will Give You An Idea Of The Competition.
You Could Even Phone One To Get An Idea Of Charges In The Area.
Be Aware The Market Is Flooded So You Have To Be Willing To Spend On Advertising And Must Realize Work May Be Very Slow To Come In.
Any Courses You Do Make Sure What Is Being Covered ,the Majority Of Household Doors Being Upvc The Opening And Replacement Of This Type Of Door Mechanism Would Be Very Helpful. Good Luck And Research As Much As Pos Before Committing

 

[saxondale]

look at networking for a regular income...

how`s that work?

 

[Craig HelpTrainingCourses]

Hi

We have a locksmith course advertised on our website www.helptrainingcourses.com

take a look I am sure if you contacted them they would give you some advise.

Cheers

Craig

 

[lockhome12]

I would suggest visiting the Master Locksmiths Association, they will be able to advise you regarding the procedure for becoming an approved search locksmiths.co.uk/ .

 

[Billmccallum]

I would suggest visiting the Master Locksmiths Association, they will be able to advise you regarding the procedure for becoming an approved search locksmiths.co.uk/ .

Given the thread is from 2010, I think he may have found out what he needs by now.

 

[anthonyUK]

Given the thread is from 2010, I think he may have found out what he needs by now.

That's true But it's not a bad idea to talk about this topic again
I want to say something about Keys4U locksmith team.

Keys 4U was fantastic! Came to my place and from the minute he arrived I knew he was a straight shooter. Changed my cylinders quickly and did a great job at a fair price. I would definitely use them again and recommend to my friends.

 

[Andy Anderson]

I'm in the process of setting my business up and my view on it is if you apply yourself and target the market correctly it will be a success. The market is flooded at the moment but personal drive will be the key!

 

[ricky_siobhan]

do it fella