AUTO LOCKSMITHS
Boom , boom , boom
By Victor Southern , Lockdecoders
» AS WE KNOW THE ECONOMY reopens in full on June 21st and every forecast from every authority says we are in for such rapid re-growth that it will be a boom , a serious boom .
Some economists are talking about even 7.5 % increase in GDP . The amount of business that our family firm , Lockdecoders Ltd , has done is witness to that . We have had a pretty good four months since Christmas , despite the lockdown , and April was about our second best month ever for equipment sales . I am writing this at the end of that month . Other firms in our line of business tell us pretty much the same story so there is money there waiting to be spent .
I suppose that the lockdown problems have affected our shop-based locksmiths rather more than those who are purely mobile and it is no wonder that those shops will see the most positive increases . Others who may score well are those involved in physical security as schools , colleges , universities reopen in full and hospitals can pay attention to something other than Covid-19 .
The Chancellor has introduced a “ super investment allowance ” from 1st April and that allows “ structured businesses ” to claim investment tax relief on equipment purchases at 130 % of the cost . So , if you pay tax at 20 % ( dividend taxes will now be higher ), a £ 5000 machine purchase will count for tax purposes as £ 6500 and that means your year-end liability will reduce by £ 1300 . Speak to your accountant about this . I am not sure whether van purchases will count in this way but they will .
The unspent cash stored up during lockdown plus pent-up demand will be realised and that benefits all – more money in circulation , more jobs , more tax for the Exchequer , more money spent on holidays , in pubs and restaurants and even theatres will gradually reopen our amazing entertainment industry . And , all that means more jobs for you , the locksmith .
Now , a word of caution . A lot of spending habits have changed as we all know . Many retail outlets will find that their market has gone to online sellers but you are selling an actual personal service that can hardly be reproduced online . Your potential customers need to know that and know that you are there ; and the range of services and goods that you supply .
Those of you with shops that remained open were pretty well forced to change procedures and that involved smartening up at the same time . All of you need to think smart and act smart and look smart . Your shop should be inviting , clean and with attractive window displays . Your van should be washed often and look good with equipment and stock laid out in such a way as to look professional and up-to-date . First impressions are important and remain .
A major irritation for potential customers is poor phone service and broken promises to return calls . You know that because it annoys you when it happens to you . Don ’ t answer your
business phone with “ Hello ”. That sounds dodgy and shifty . Instead – “ Good morning , Super Locksmiths here , Fred speaking , how can I help you ?” That sounds business-like and inviting . Your caller knows they have dialled the right number , who you are , and that you are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed , anxious to do business . Next , note the caller ’ s name or ask for it , then use it several times in the conversation . It personalises your service .
Sometimes you can ’ t help personally so say so , “ Mr . Warburton , I am sorry the boss is not in , please let me check your number and I will contact him to phone you direct ”. Or , “ I am sorry Mr Warburton , that is not a service we can offer but if you hold for a minute or two , I will check which locksmiths may be able to help you . Whereabouts are you ?”
It really works . Really .
But , ( there is always a but ), you need to balance your time on the phone with the needs of the customer right in front of you in the shop . They are the most important person at that time . So , if the phone rings while you are serving him ask if he minds if you take this call . If it goes on a bit look directly at him occasionally and smile or shrug – get him on your side over the delay .
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MAY / JUN 2021
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