Locksmith Business - advice needed!

[AnnetteT]

Evening All,

I have actually posted something similar in the trades forums but thought I may capture some more knowledge if I posted here too!

My partner has recently retrained as a Locksmith, we're at the beginning of steep learning curve and currently working hard to get our company details out there and with the right people. We're contacting all local lettings & estate agents, police forces, councils (all work contracted out), property management companies etc.

We're advertising on lots of free listing sites, have an ad going out in the local parish mags, local papers & have done leaflet drops too.

If any of you could offer some advice on other areas to focus on and ways to get business flowing it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[extremedistro]

do you have a website setup?

 

[gotguanxi]

Facebook fanpage is a free option and you can target people who live in the areas you are looking to service.

If you have a budget, website is the way forward and is a must regardless.

After that I think Google sponsored links work brilliant for Locksmiths, if you get locked out of your house, you have your phone, you go to google and find them there or you can dial 118 118. There is alot of competition due to the sucess for the larger companies but it is easy to find your niche and get good ROI from there.

What sort of budget do you have and where are you up to so far, how much work do you have currently?

 

[AnnetteT]

we're working on website currently and it will be launching in next week - fingers crossed - at the moment we just have a page with logo, contact details etc but this will be launched next week!

So the website is covered, am quite excited about it, looking good so far. We've got leaflets, have adverts designed, business cards and letterheads done so we're looking professional.

We've only just started seeking the work and have had a couple of jobs so far but really need to get out there more.

Was thinking about going down the sub contracting route but not really sure where to start. h and we've signed up for the contract service to work on all police response work for out areas, the police in Herts have now outsourced but still waiting for the service to go live which I keep being told is imminent.

 

[AnnetteT]

Thank you. I have set up a facebook group which I invited all my contacts to join but knew that there would be a better way of doing it just wasn't sure how! Will look at how we go about setting up the fanpage - like you say a good free option!

In regards to google sponsored links, that sounds pricey or does it work on a pay per click basis? Am planning on looking at the google stuff once website is launched. We are showing up on 1st page of google already from all our free listings but would be good to get up on the google maps bit at the top of the page, would you agree?

Facebook fanpage is a free option and you can target people who live in the areas you are looking to service.

If you have a budget, website is the way forward and is a must regardless.

After that I think Google sponsored links work brilliant for Locksmiths, if you get locked out of your house, you have your phone, you go to google and find them there or you can dial 118 118. There is alot of competition due to the sucess for the larger companies but it is easy to find your niche and get good ROI from there.

What sort of budget do you have and where are you up to so far, how much work do you have currently?

 

[gotguanxi]

Thank you. I have set up a facebook group which I invited all my contacts to join but knew that there would be a better way of doing it just wasn't sure how! Will look at how we go about setting up the fanpage - like you say a good free option!

In regards to google sponsored links, that sounds pricey or does it work on a pay per click basis? Am planning on looking at the google stuff once website is launched. We are showing up on 1st page of google already from all our free listings but would be good to get up on the google maps bit at the top of the page, would you agree?

Hi Annette, the fan page is easier to update, join and market overall. It provides you with more insight and understanding as to what the members of the group are doing

With regards to the PPC, outsourcing is pricey, doing it yourself is tricky. If your willing to dedicate some time getting to grips with it then that's a good option to minimise your costs. If your not in a position to do that, I worked for a company last year who do a good job and I would gladly let you know about them, but first i'd suggest you have a read into it and establish what you think of it for yourself first and whether it is something you can budget for.

I would definately suggest joining google maps, because it is perfect for the nature of your target audience and it is a good position to be in.

You website needs to appear for relevant search results though, have you consider this before?

ie: locksmith in *your town* / emergency locksmith in *your target area*

This is when you want to appear in the search results. Sorry if this obvious to you I don't know how mch knowledge you have on the subject

 

[Oleslie]

Have you tried Yellow pages? ...sorry I know it's obvious, but it really is teh first place I go when I need that sort of thing.

 

[gotguanxi]

Have you tried Yellow pages? ...sorry I know it's obvious, but it really is teh first place I go when I need that sort of thing.

Just a thought but how do you get to your yellow pages when you are locked out of your house?

 

[mangoprint]

I know a guy who has just left his job to become a locksmith, must be a shortage in the trade right now!

 

[Oleslie]

Via the internet on my mobile phone, or I call directory services (which is also linked to yellow pages/ phone book info)

I have been locked out a few times and in all those cases I didn't have access to a flyer someone put through my door a few months before etc , I just called directory services or checked yellow pages (and once borrowed my neighbour's copy of yellow pages ! )

Just a thought but how do you get to your yellow pages when you are locked out of your house?

 

[mangoprint]

Actually thinking of it, 118 text ads might not be a bad bet for you. When they text someone with a locksmith number, your number will also be attached below. I tried it for my printing company but it doesn't work as well for that kind of service.

Have a look here: https://beta.118118advertising.com/homepage/

 

[FLAUK]

Get a website and set up Google Maps.

Trust me - doing this will make you money.

 

[AnnetteT]

Thanks Flauk, Have just signed up with Google Maps but but concerned it was so easy, are there any hidden costs that I will get stung by down the line? Also it says it'll take 24 hrs for listing to appear, how likely is it that my listing will be shown amongst the top ones? Is there anything I need to do to get it higher or is it just pot luck now?

Have been looking at adwords too but not sure we'll go down that route right now

Get a website and set up Google Maps.

Trust me - doing this will make you money.

 

[estwig]

Where are you Annette, what part of the country???

 

[AnnetteT]

Based Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Where are you Annette, what part of the country???

 

[estwig]

The reason I asked is because I wouldn't want to recommend this, in case you turn out to be competition, your not, so hopefully Lockie won't mind.

Read all of Lockies posts, a top fella who has built a good living as a locksmith and has been good enough to post about his findings, what works and what doesn't, warts and all.

There are over 1200 posts, don't skimp, good luck.



P.S, make sure you check out his website.

 

[AnnetteT]

Thanks estwig, good idea, will do some reading today!

The reason I asked is because I wouldn't want to recommend this, in case you turn out to be competition, your not, so hopefully Lockie won't mind.



There are over 1200 posts, don't skimp, good luck.



P.S, make sure you check out his website.

 

[daveynodollars]

Hi
Have you thought about doing vehicle locks?
we are always looking for engineers to install our locks throughout the UK and their is a bit of a shortage for talented lock engineers. check out locks4vans or rutlandcommunicationsdotcodotuk.

 

[AnnetteT]

Hi There,

Yes auto is something we'll be looking into in the future but for now we dont want to run before we can walk - and need to get some cashflow before we can look at expanding into this area too.

Thank you for the links, will look into when the time is right.

Hi
Have you thought about doing vehicle locks?
we are always looking for engineers to install our locks throughout the UK and their is a bit of a shortage for talented lock engineers. check out locks4vans or rutlandcommunicationsdotcodotuk.

 

[AnnetteT]

unfortunately not a shortage in the trade if he looks into it, just some good sales people selling the training with a promise of lots of work it seems! We're getting there slowly but the work is definitely not flying in for us and from what i am hearing its not either for the more established guys either.

I know a guy who has just left his job to become a locksmith, must be a shortage in the trade right now!

 

[saxondale]

unfortunately not a shortage in the trade if he looks into it, just some good sales people selling the training with a promise of lots of work it seems! We're getting there slowly but the work is definitely not flying in for us and from what i am hearing its not either for the more established guys either.

it isnt and your quite right - and when was the last time you locked yourself out?

concentrate on selling prevention - anti bump locks etc. is where its at, at the moment.

 

[kirkscoobz197]

Hi to all here,
Dont go on to yell.com to advertise, they are to much to pay, especially if you are just starting out in the trade.
Try google maps, they are free, try Thompson local online and the phone book online, once your there with them online they put you into the books as well.

Also, if you are just starting out, trade as a sole trader, and have a bank account in your chosen business name, ie - lee roberts t/a /leister locksmiths

Tools are pretty much cheap to purchase if you know the right sites, i would say a good £1000 to £1500 will see you right in start up tools, then just add to them when you need.

 

[AnnetteT]

actually I am a nightmare and have locked myself out a couple of times in last year - once in my slippers while putting rubbish out! But yes, you're right, most people aren't quite so dappy - good job my partners a locksmith

We have been doing alot on prevention, just wanted to say thanks for the tip, realised I hadn't responded, had a manic few months towards the end of the year!

it isnt and your quite right - and when was the last time you locked yourself out?

concentrate on selling prevention - anti bump locks etc. is where its at, at the moment.

 

[AnnetteT]

Thanks. We're not doing too badly at the moment, starting each week with some good jobs booked in and getting quite a few emergency ones in aswell. Always looking for more though and constantly working on growing the business!

Wish we could have done it on £1500 for tools but we have spent a whole lot more than that! I think if you wanted to concentrate on doing just some small emergency jobs maybe that would suffice but I dont think it would bring in a proper wage.

We've found each job brings something new which has meant expanding on tools, equipment etc constantly to keep up but we're getting there and enjoying all the new challenges each week brings!

Hi to all here,
Dont go on to yell.com to advertise, they are to much to pay, especially if you are just starting out in the trade.
Try google maps, they are free, try Thompson local online and the phone book online, once your there with them online they put you into the books as well.

Also, if you are just starting out, trade as a sole trader, and have a bank account in your chosen business name, ie - lee roberts t/a /leister locksmiths

Tools are pretty much cheap to purchase if you know the right sites, i would say a good £1000 to £1500 will see you right in start up tools, then just add to them when you need.

 

[kirkscoobz197]

Hiya,
Its good to hear that work is going good, my price is just an estimate for what i payed out for, and like i said before i have added to that a bit.

I mainly do emergency entries, but if you were going to do the whole thing, all services, you would like you say have to invest a bit more, i mean a good key cutter just for common locks will cost you a small fortune.

Any way, good luck to you and hubbie.

 

[amanda1112]

Hi my business partner is a Locksmith and he has managed to secure contracts with (AMBS) Carillion SW Ltd, formerly known as Alfred McAlpine. He also has a contract with SGB Rovacabin & Local Universities. I would advise you to make contact with the above in your area. He also advertises in the yellow pages and Thomson Directory where much of his residential work comes from. You could send your leaflets to solicitors, banks, schools, colleges, hospitals or any large organisation. He has recently bought specialist equipment (very expensive mind) and he offers his services to car owners. Just another avenue to explore but may be worth trying if you would like to increase your income.

 

[AnnetteT]

Hi Amanda, Thanks for this. I do have this in my business plan, have been concentrating on the marketing etc for local areas initially to get the cash flowing but am looking towards gaining contracts. Would you or your partner have any tips on how to go about this? I have made good progress with schools, doctors surgeries, local businesses, residential, police etc but haven't looked into contracts as yet. We have a number of main contractors based locally so am keen to approach, just wondering what would be the best way? Maybe you or your partner could PM me? Many thanks!

Hi my business partner is a Locksmith and he has managed to secure contracts with (AMBS) Carillion SW Ltd, formerly known as Alfred McAlpine. He also has a contract with SGB Rovacabin & Local Universities. I would advise you to make contact with the above in your area. He also advertises in the yellow pages and Thomson Directory where much of his residential work comes from. You could send your leaflets to solicitors, banks, schools, colleges, hospitals or any large organisation. He has recently bought specialist equipment (very expensive mind) and he offers his services to car owners. Just another avenue to explore but may be worth trying if you would like to increase your income.

 

[bobsmithpremierlocksmiths]

Hey if you have a website, its good to post its url up in different directory's, so you get lots of links back to your site, that could make the business good. good luck with your business