Notice Board
thought their doors( front and back) were completely broken. Over the phone, I had a feeling it was just an adjustment issue. When I arrived, I confirmed both doors just needed minor tweaks. The lady was overjoyed when she could lift the door handle with just one finger. She even gave me a hug, grateful that the job wasn’ t as expensive as she feared. Moments like that make the job rewarding.
Unfortunately, I’ ve also seen customers get ripped off by handymen or unqualified locksmiths. When I come across bad work, I fix it properly, and if someone has already overpaid for shoddy work, I offer a discount to help make up for it. I always provide a price estimate before arriving, so customers feel comfortable and know what to expect. I get satisfaction out of saving customers money if I’ m able to.
Work Ethic & Business Approach
I’ ve built my reputation through word of mouth. If a customer tells me I was recommended, I always offer a small discount. After every job, I send a link asking for a review, and I leave extra business cards so they can pass them on to friends and family. To date, I have over 155 five-star reviews.
My Advice for New Locksmiths?
Don’ t try to go it alone. Take an accredited training course, either through the MLA or a reputable independent trainer.
Don’ t blow your budget on the most expensive tools and van from day one. Instead, focus on getting a good website, SEO, and advertising. Always be polite, transparent about pricing, and leave every customer happy. If you do that consistently, word-of-mouth referrals will start rolling in.
Lock Preferences & Security Trends
For basic cylinder replacements, I use Versa and Ultion 1-star. For upgrades or burglary repairs, I use 3-star locks with Ultion Sweet handles or Ultion Lock Lock handles with a double locking system. I used to stock multiple brands, but I found that most larger locksmith companies around here use Ultion, and I’ ve never had one fail. I even have them on my own house. Sticking to one brand reduces stock holding and keeps things simple.
Unfortunately, I’ ve seen some advanced attack methods in recent burglary cases. One common tactic is using a blowtorch to burn holes in the uPVC to make it more accessible for the mole grips and to get further into the door. That’ s why I always recommend high security locks and handles for added protection. Other burglars pry open windows or smash patio doors with non-toughened glass to gain access.
My Future Plans & Final Thoughts
For now, I’ m happy with a steady pace of work, but my brother, Joe Gregory, has recently started as a full-time auto locksmith and is off to a flying start. With his background in car mechanics and electrics, he’ s found his niche. I might join him on the auto side in the future- where there’ s less competition, but the startup costs are significantly higher.
Being a locksmith isn’ t always easy, especially in emergency situations. When someone is locked out in the cold, they just want to get back in as quickly as possible, and they’ re not always pleased about having to pay. Over time, I’ ve learned to handle the pressure. When I was new, I felt nervous working under the watchful eyes of customers, but now it’ s second nature. The more experience you gain, the more confident you become.
If I had to sum it up, I’ d say locksmithing is a rewarding trade full of ups and downs. It takes consistency, persistence, and a solid reputation to succeed. I’ m proud of what I’ ve built and look forward to many more years of locksmithing.
info @ primelocksmiths. co. uk 07842 685254 www. primelocksmiths. co. uk
APRIL 2025
13
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk