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How did you save Christmas ?
I received a call from Rob asking if I could help his friend Mick . I came and installed a new garage lock for him and saved the family from buying a new tree and everything that goes with that , as well regaining access to this vital present hiding space !
Tell us about Top Lock
My business is homebased where I have a little office and a workshop at the bottom of my garden . Currently , there are two vans dedicated to locksmith work managed by Nathan and me . Business administration is handled by my wife Kathryn , while Dan is responsible for social media marketing and website SEO .
We cover Barnsley and surrounding areas such as Sheffield , Wakefield and Pontefract . The business has been running for four years and I ’ m proud to say with a lot of hard work we ’ re doing well .
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What did you do before ? I worked as an HGV technician , handling the recovery of heavy goods vehicles and buses . When drivers locked their keys in their vehicles , I frequently called a locksmith named Martin Firth from Fast Response , who became a good friend . This inspired me to delve deeper into the profession .
I purchased a combination van and spent a year acquiring necessary tools and stock , Then , I completed my training and ensured I presented myself professionally . While serving my notice period with my previous employer , I started working on weekends , before going full time . By the third week , I had completed 27 jobs in one week ! The use of Facebook has significantly contributed to my success .
Business plans In April / May next year , I may be looking to expand and take on an extra locksmith . I will look to take on someone who is keen to learn that I can
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train in-house . We ’ re getting very busy , and I don ’ t want to be turning down work . I would like to free up some time for the team to learn new skills so we can offer more services .
Tips for New Locksmiths Just go for it ! I believe in keeping a good stock of mechanisms and tools . I invest in them during good weeks , so I don ’ t have to buy during bad weeks . I prefer completing jobs on the same day without double charging customers for return visits . I aim for steady work , as small jobs often lead to bigger ones .
It ’ s important not to be greedy and focus on doing the best job you can at a fair price . Remember : you ’ re only as good as your last job ! Consistently consider the quality of your craftsmanship and the condition in which you leave your work , as these factors will ultimately impact your future success .
The products I buy are often influenced by my long-term relationships . For my standard cylinders I use ASEC Vitals and for high security I use the Mila Federal 3-star range . I also buy a lot of door mechanisms and handles from Ian Miller at Handle Trade based in
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Royston , Barnsley . It ’ s often about building relationships , helping people along the way , networking and exchanging work .
Service with a Smile
It doesn ’ t hurt or cost anything to be friendly , polite and smile . If you ’ re a miserable grumpy git , and overcharge customers , they are unlikely to return . Additionally , negative experiences can spread to their family and friends , potentially harming your business . I prefer to serve my customers with a positive attitude , explain thoroughly what I am doing , and the costs involved upfront .
Marketing Top Lock
Dan looks after our social media and website SEO , as now we ’ re busy I just don ’ t have the time . I do dabble in the occasional video and sometimes they are silly such as my latest video of me falling off my kid ’ s scooter which went viral on social media . Facebook is a great marketing tool , and I owe much of my work to it .
01226 952989 www . top-lock . co . uk info @ top-lock . co . uk
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