Notice Board quality high security products often with controlled or restricted keys to protect their investment .
‘ Up-t ’ North ’ people are more likely to ‘ try it on ’ and haggle on price , often refusing to pay the agreed fee ! I had one guy who tried to haggle with me after we already agreed a price ( quoted in writing ) and after the job he tried to pay me less . The price is too expensive for the domestic market even if free ! The local “ true ” Cornish often say to me “ There ’ s no crime In Cornwall boy ” to which I reply : “ Well If there ’ s no crime In Cornwall , why is it that I rarely get a day off ?”
Cornish Livin ’ Don ’ t get me wrong , it ’ s nice living in Cornwall , but it ’ s no holiday when you ’ re working . I find the that the physical side of locksmithing doesn ’ t slow me down , it ’ s the dealing with the influx of tourists in Cornwall during summer and winter can be mentally exhausting ! When I arrived in Cornwall back in 2010 , tourism was distinctly seasonal , but now it doesn ’ t seem to stop - it really is exhausting - all trades people moan about it . It ’ s a nightmare to get around due to the traffic , finding a place to park , it certainly makes the day harder and your guaranteed to be working weekends on the holiday lets during the changeovers , so no real quality time off .
Family and Future
With my seven grandchildren , aged four to 16 , and 94-year-old father , and mother-in-law now “ ish ” age , family plays a big part in my life . While I had planned to retire by April 2025 , work and family commitments have kept me carrying on locksmithing until at least April 2026 . I like the flexibility that self-employment offers and there are no bosses ( to not get along with ) but work can be stressful and long . I like to be able to take as much time of as I like for holidays and work the hours I want when I can . It ’ s hard to give up a trade that works so well around family commitments , and the decent living is hard to give up .
Wisdom from Experience Locksmithing isn ’ t just a trade ; it ’ s a commitment . I ’ ve learned over the years that starting a locksmith business can be expensive and frustrating , and ( as far as I am aware ) still no government funding to help start-ups . I have come across new starters who , because of lack of support , have given up . From stocking the right parts to avoiding costly mistakes , it ’ s about being smart with your resources and thinking logically .
I am sure each of the thousands of locksmiths in the UK , each and every one would have some different advice to offer , but I have picked two that have stuck with me because I made mistakes :
# 1 : tip for anyone starting out : Don ’ t overstock , and be mindful of regional differences in lock preferences , get to know your area ! It`s easy to think that you need every type of lock , from every manufacturer , size and colour . You must fill that gap on the shelf . You don ’ t . You ’ re an emergency service , so if at 8pm you have to replace a cylinder to secure the property and the original was satin but you only have brass , tough ! As long as
the one removed was 35 / 35mm and you don ’ t fit a snap able 60 / 60mm fine . If the customer wants a like for like , ok , order one and when your return charge the customer as required for the privilege . Your job was done getting them in , changing and resecuring their property . You don ’ t need “ everything ” you need just what ’ s required .
“ Remember ” any locking device be it cylinder , night latch or mortice style is only scrap metal until it ’ s in the door and paid for ! I made that mistake and paid a price for it . 20 years on I still have scrap metal on my shelves from day 1 .
# 2 : When the job is not going right in the middle of the night and is pouring down , the kids are crying , the wife`s screaming at the husband for losing the keys and he ’ s moaning at you for taking what he thinks is a long time and that “ darn ” mortice just will not open , Remember , if they could do it , you would not be there . Keep calm , take your time and think it through . Do NOT panic and simply kick the door in . If need be , go to the van , take a breather and then return with that vital bit of kit that you didn`t need .
More about Owl Locksmiths & Security
At Owl Locksmiths & Security , they are committed to providing fast and reliable locksmith services , no matter the time of day . A trusted family business , with a reputation that has grown over the years thanks to their friendly and personal service .
www . owllocksmithsandsecurity . co . uk owllocksmithsandsecurity @ hotmail . co . uk
OCTOBER 2024
7 locksmithjournal . co . uk