The Locksmith Journal Jul-Aug 2013 - Issue 27 | Page 62

KEYCUTTING SPONSORED BY KEYPRINT Engraving Made Easy This month The Locksmith Journal speaks with Vanessa Blair at U-MARQ in Milton Keynes to find out first hand why distributors such as Davenport Burgess are seeing an increase in the uptake of engraving machines by locksmiths looking to boost their businesses… U-MARQ Ltd is a privately held company that was formed by the bringing together of a number of companies under one umbrella in 2004, the aim of which was to revolutionise the engraving and marking industries with a forward-thinking, innovative approach. U-MARQ manufactures in the UK with components sourced from the UK wherever possible. All manufacturing and assembly is carried out in their UK factory. Software for all U-MARQ engraving machines is totally unique to the company, and well established in the global industry. It is wholly written inhouse by U-MARQ. To U-MARQ’s UK dealers such as Davenport Burgess, a UK distributor of U-MARQ’s machines and consumables, the company is able to offer full technical support. This support service includes onsite demonstrations and technical backup. This close relationships between manufacturer and distributor means that feedback from the end user is incorporated, where possible, into U-MARQ’s research and development, giving rise to product innovations that benefit of all concerned. The U-MARQ offer to locksmiths is one of opportunity to diversify and add margin by increasing perceived value through engraving and personalisation of gifts, keepsakes and other applications. The possibilities are endless, “If you can hold it you can almost certainly engrave it,” says Vanessa Blair of U-MARQ. There are also opportunities for security marking and sequential numbering for numerous applications. Basically, with very little outlay a locksmith can achieve increased profits through offering added services to their business. And with the finance and leasing options available, this becomes an even more viable proposition. The leaseto-purchase plan can be taken out over 3 to 5 years, or interest free over 1 year. U-MARQ has also considered ease of use for the end user too. The software has been developed to carry the machine operator through the process step by step, offering limitless design options along the way. Full training is offered and there are step-by-step operation videos that can be accessed 24 hours a day via the U-MARQ website. The U-MARQ machine that has proven most popular with Davenport Burgess’s locksmith customers is the GEM-FX5. The GEM-FX5 is the ultimate and unchallenged small footprint professional engraving system that can cope with most marking tasks from labels, switch sockets, tags, tools and identification plates to trophy plates, padlocks, keys, lighters, pet tags and jewellery. Simply type the text into the easy to use U-MARQ FX engraving software, insert the item to be engraved into the machine, the GEM-FX5 then engraves the object in just a few seconds. Equipped with the state-of-the-art GEMFX5 control system, the GEM-FX5 will connect to a standard PC or laptop. U-MARQ is confident that the machine’s ease of use enables its users to engrave to a professional standard, after just a short introduction to the machine. The uncluttered design combined with the mechanical stability enables easy engraving of large or small items, making it versatile and quick and easy to use. The GEM-FX5 is available through U-MARQ’s distributor Davenport Burgess and is ideal for locksmiths looking to expand their services and add a new revenue stream to their business. Both the manufacturer and distributor work with their customers to help them maximize the options and opportunities available to them. The beauty of the system for some locksmiths is that what begins as an add-on eventually becomes a core business function and saves on outsourcing work or referring it elsewhere to another company with wider capabilities. Customers also tend to find that they purchase the machine for one particular purpose and, in using the machine, they generate new ideas of way to use the machine to add value and increase margin. The GEM-FX5 comes with a oneyear warranty. The sale price includes everything a locksmith needs to get started so there are no hidden extras further down the line. U-MARQ can service the machine at their UK factory to keep downtime to a minimum. Davenport Burgess offers installation training and continuous support, although it’s rare that technical faults are experienced. In fact, in 6 years of selling the GEM-FX5 Davenport Burgess has had no complaints or issues from its customers. They say that seeing is believing and to really understand the versatility and ease of use of the GEM-FX then you can see it for yourself at the forthcoming MLA Expo 2013 where U-MARQ, in collaboration with Davenport Burgess, will be exhibiting its full range of machines and giving live demonstrations where audience participation will be encouraged. You’ll even be able to take away your very own personalised pen that will be engraved in front of you on the day. You will find U-MARQ and Davenport Burgess at stands 93 and 96 at the MLA Expo 2013, Telford International Centre, 13th September to 15th September 2013. Davenport-Burgess Ltd, 47 Wednesfield Road, Willenhall, WV13 1AL. www.davenport-burgess.com, Tel: 01902 366448, [email protected] 62 THE JUL/AUG 2013 ISSUE SPONSORED BY ALDRIDGE To read more, visit www.locksmithjournal.co.uk