Notice Board again! I find with locksmithing, I have a lot of flexibility between calls which enables me to manage builders, do little jobs, and spend time with my daughter who is now 10 months old. I plan to purchase a run-down property to renovate and“ flip” and hope to turn it around in three to four months. My estate agent experience also comes in handy with valuing properties.
The Freedom & Frustrations
The freedom of working for myself is something I value, but what I dislike is the number of uncommitted people in the industry who come and go, often ripping-off customers. The‘ 49’ ers’ locksmiths are a prime example— charging ridiculous fees for unnecessary work.
Andy Perrin from Brighton & Hove Locksmiths runs a great YouTube channel and recently highlighted a case where someone was charged £ 500 for a simple lock change( drill & replace) that should have been done non-destructively. This kind of behaviour gives locksmiths a bad reputation.
Advice to New Locksmiths
For advice and staying ahead in the trade, I look to people like Seth Ryden from Fortress Locksmith Training, who is always innovating and active on the Locksmith Hub Facebook group. It’ s a great forum with real locksmiths offering support— you must be an actual working locksmith to become a member. Andy Perrin from Brighton & Hove Locksmiths also shares insightful“ day in the life” content.
Get yourself on to Facebook and Instagram because marketing on there is free! I receive a lot of leads from Facebook through recommendations on local residents pages when my customers tag me in.
Focus on what works for your business and don’ t be afraid to try something new, or walkaway from something that’ s not working. I used to own a locksmith shop, but after a business partnership broke down and business rates and rent went sky high, I decided that working from my van is much more efficient.
Real-life Locksmith Stories I love reading TLJ and staying up to date with what’ s going on in the industry and product-wise, however it’ s the real-life locksmith stories that I also like to read. It’ s great to find out something that you didn’ t know about a locksmith you know and pass work to. For example: Stelios Papa of All City Locksmiths; we pass work to each other all the time and I never knew that he used to be a barber!
www. checkatrade. com / trades / lockdocltd www. lock-doc. co. uk 07470 033055 info @ lock-doc. co. uk
More information Lock Doc is a local independent locksmith based in Medway covering the Kent area. They’ re proud to operate with compete integrity and offer the following services:
• Non-destructive entry for lock outs
• Access control
• New homeowner lock changes
• Locks changed / fitted
• Security upgrades
• Boarding up following criminal damage
• Extra keys cut and supplied
• UPVC mechanism repair and replacement
• Failed mechanisms Holding a DBS certificate for extra peace of mind, they are the first choice to some of the UK’ s biggest estate agencies, corporate businesses and local authorities.
MARCH 2025
7 locksmithjournal. co. uk