Notice Board
One of my favourite jobs is keying alike on site, customers love the fact I can do it straight away; it saves me visiting them twice and they get their locks changed immediately. I’ ve got a small workshop at home where I do larger master keying orders. Honestly, I find it therapeutic, relaxing even. I’ ve got accounts with suppliers like Apex, Brisant, ABS, JMA and Sila. When I need something, I’ m on first-name terms with most of them. I enjoy going to expos too, meeting directors of hardware suppliers and other locksmiths. The gala dinners are a good laugh as well.
And then there are the customers. I’ ve had people locked out in dressing gowns, toddlers locking parents out while waving from upstairs windows, even requests to fit rack bolts on every internal door,‘ not to fox’ burglars but to stop clever dogs and cats from pulling handles down and letting themselves in!
Love, Hate, & Everything in Between
The thing I love most is the feeling of getting someone back into their home. It could be using a bit of mica or a pin and cam, but when that door swings open and you see the relief on their face, they think I’ m Superman. It’ s a brilliant moment every time.
But there are things I don’ t enjoy. Winter nights, for one. When it’ s dark, pouring with rain, and you’ ve still got three or four call-outs to do, it’ s tough. Another frustration is haggling.
I don’ t mind people asking if I can do any cheaper or if this my best price, that’ s fair enough. But when I’ ve quoted a price, done the job quickly and professionally, and then they want money off because I was too efficient? That winds me up.
People forget that running a locksmith business isn’ t just about turning up with a screwdriver. There’ s the cost of stock, insurance, training, vehicles- the whole package. You can’ t just be a locksmith; you’ re a businessman too!
Competition & Camaraderie
In Essex, there’ s plenty of competition, especially online and on Facebook. But I’ ve found that not everyone has the same experience or professionalism.
What’ s nice, though, is that two of my biggest competitors are also two of my best friends. We’ ve got a great relationship. If I go on holiday, I transfer my phone to them, and they do the same for me. We scratch each other’ s backs and look after each other. It’ s friendly competition at its best.
Looking Ahead
Some weeks are quiet, others are nonstop. That’ s the nature of locksmithing. I’ d like to bring in a trainee in the future, maybe someone to handle calls in the office, help-out with stocking and pinning. That would free me up to focus on the work itself. Eventually, get another van on the road, who knows!
For now, I’ m busy enough with what I’ ve built, and I wouldn’ t change it. The trade has given me freedom, satisfaction, and a career I actually love. I’ m so glad I escaped financial advising and that office I hated; being a locksmith and running my own business is my happy place.
www. fairfaxlocksmiths. co. uk 07515 313 738 steve @ fairfaxlocksmiths. co. uk Instagram: Fairfax _ locksmiths
About Fairfax Locksmiths
Fairfax Locksmiths is a trusted, independent locksmith service covering Upminster, Hornchurch, and the surrounding areas. Founded by Steve Fairfax, a qualified Master Locksmith and member of the Master Locksmiths Association( MLA), the business specialises in high-security locks, residential security upgrades, and emergency lockouts. With a strong focus on professionalism, reliability, and customer care, Fairfax Locksmiths provides tailored solutions to keep homes and businesses safe. From UPVC door repairs to master key systems and safe installations, clients can rely on Fairfax for expert advice and dependable service.
OCTOBER 2025
15
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk