Notice Board
Locksmith Jen is an independent locksmith service based in Newport, Shropshire, covering Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands. Founded in 2022, the business specialises in non-destructive entry, lock fitting, repairs, and security upgrades. Known for fast response times and friendly, honest service, Locksmith Jen has built a strong reputation through word of mouth and customer trust. a toy poodle, and they often come along for the ride. In the winter, they sit in dog booster seats in the van. Customers love them and some even insist that they come into the house with me. Some previous customers even look disappointed when I turn up without them!
Building Trust as a Female Locksmith
Being a female locksmith is definitely a unique selling point. A lot of male customers tell me they can trust me not to rip them off, more so than they would a man. It’ s also a plus with female customers who feel safer having a woman working in their house.
I treat customers the way I’ d want to be treated: I turn up on time, I explain what I’ m doing, I respect their property, and I keep things clean. Honestly, I’ m surprised there aren’ t more women in this trade.
Finding Work Without Advertising
People often ask how I get work. The truth is, I don’ t pay for advertising. When I first started, I worked hard to get my name out in the local area- leaving business cards in shop windows, meeting with local estate agents, and offering discounts to NHS workers and the elderly. These days, most of my work comes from word of mouth, recommendations, and people noticing my van. I made sure the van artwork was simple but effective, and my business name is easy to remember.
I do have a website, though I don’ t get loads of direct calls from it. Instead, I receive plenty of online enquiries. I think many people today prefer to send a quick email or WhatsApp rather than pick up the phone. Still, the majority of my jobs come through referrals.
Building Loyalty, One Door at a Time
A lot of my work comes from repeat customers. Once I’ ve done a job, I don’ t just leave- I chat with them about things that might go wrong in the future, a bit like giving their doors and windows an MOT. I advise on added security, door and window maintenance, and explain what to watch out for. If something changes, I tell them to give me a call straight away – and some do.
It’ s not uncommon for people to call me back to fit locks on other doors, or to upgrade windows, or just to get advice. I’ ve got some customers who have multiple doors in the house, and I’ m basically their go-to whenever anything happens. That kind of trust and ongoing relationship is invaluable. Word spreads, too- a lot of my work now comes from recommendations.
Newbie Advice: Just Give it a Go!
If I had to give advice to someone starting out, I’ d say: don’ t be afraid to have a go. But don’ t expect to be a millionaire in year one, it takes time. You’ ve got to train, retrain, and stay on top of new skills and products.
Most importantly, be honest with customers. If you can’ t do a job, say so.
Don’ t knacker up their door trying to look clever. People respect honesty, and they’ ll call you back again when they know you won’ t mess them around.
Happy Ticking Along
People ask me if I want to grow the business, hire staff, that kind of thing. Honestly? No. I like being responsible for my own work and delivering the kind of customer service I believe in.
I wouldn’ t mind being a little bit busier, but not at the expense of quality. I want to have time to do training, keep my standards high, and look after my customers properly. That’ s more important to me than chasing turnover.
I want to be a locksmith forever, but I hope that my body allows me to. It’ s hard on the body-all the kneeling down, twisting into awkward positions- but I’ m sporty by nature. I used to play rugby for Stourbridge and Bridgnorth ladies, and now I enjoy watching women’ s rugby and football. I’ m even off to the Rugby World Cup this year, with tickets for the final at Twickenham.
So yes, locksmithing might not have been my plan, but I’ ve found my place. I’ ve got the freedom I want, loyal customers, and even the dogs get to join in. Not bad for an“ accidental” career.
www. locksmithjen. co. uk help @ locksmithjen. co. uk 07360 687 393
OCTOBER 2025
11
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