Notice Board
I’ ll often post in residents’ groups or local mums’ groups on Facebook, that works surprisingly well.
I also work with estate agents and housing associations, which gives me regular, steady work. It means I’ ve got jobs coming in most days, and a lot of it is repairs, which I enjoy.
I met another locksmith called George from Essex Locks & Glazing, but he’ s moved solely into door and window fitting now. So, when I come across a door or window that irreparable, I pass them on to George.
Transparency is the Key USP
What really sets me apart is transparency. I make it clear how much the job will cost before I even leave the house. I explain if there’ s likely to be any damage and why. Customers know exactly what they’ re getting.
That honesty matters. People are generally grateful when you’ re straight with them, especially in a trade where they’ ve often heard horror stories.
I want customers to come back to me time and time again. Repeat business is everything. I’ ll often upgrade security for customers later on, or help them make sure their locks meet insurance requirements.
I always give my customers options. An entry-level option that covers insurance compliance, and then higher-level options with additional security. Some people choose basic, others want the extra peace of mind. Either way, it’ s their choice, and they appreciate my advice and involving them in the decision, giving power to the customer.
Loving the Trade, Even the Awkward Bits
The best part of the job is the flexibility and being my own boss. I like helping people, especially when they’ re stressed and you can genuinely fix the problem for them.
The worst part is awkward customers, but they’ re few and far between. Most people are decent if you treat them properly and communicate clearly- no surprises just complete transparency.
I still enjoy the technical side. Picking locks, diagnosing faults, carrying out repairs properly. That patience I was drawn to at the start is still what keeps me interested now.
Products, Training & Staying Sharp
Product-wise, I use Versa cylinders a lot, both euro and rim. They’ re solid products and reliable. I also use their window handles, multi-point repair locks and door handles. I came across them through Duffells.
For mortice locks, I tend to use Union, ERA and Duffels own brand TSS. Multipoint locks are often the same product going back in, which keeps things consistent.
Training has always been important to me. I originally started with Lockrite as a franchisee and did a few weeks of training there. After a few years, I went independent and later did subcontract work for Keytek, which I still do a bit of now.
I went to the MLA Expo for the day and found it useful. I’ d like to register with the MLA in the future for additional credibility. I’ m always learning and looking to improve. I’ m fairly tech savvy and planning to add a blog to the website to share more information with customers.
Looking Forward The plan is to grow steadily, build the shop’ s presence further and keep pushing the local angle. Loughton in Essex is a key area for me, and I’ ll continue advertising locally through Google Maps.
Opening the shop has reminded me that people still value seeing who they’ re dealing with. Locksmithing is about trust. You’ re being invited into someone’ s home at a vulnerable moment. A website alone, especially in this day and age where dishonesty is rife, just isn’ t enough.
Being featured in Locksmithing Journal means a lot to me. I’ ve been a subscriber for years and always found it useful for keeping up with the industry, new products and what other locksmiths are doing. It’ s good to be part of that conversation, I can’ t wait to see my story in the magazine.
More info Inlocks is a genuinely local locksmith business based in Essex, run by sole trader Scott O’ Brien. With over 18 years’ experience, Inlocks provides 24 / 7 emergency locksmith services, repairs and security upgrades, combining a mobile service with a physical shop located within a local shopping centre. Known for transparency, clear pricing and professional workmanship, Inlocks serves residential customers, estate agents and housing associations across the region.
www. inlocks. com 07973 718 961 Inlocks Locksmiths, Unit 12, Icon Indoor Shops, The Broadway, Loughton, IG10 3ST
FEBRUARY 2026
11
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk