AboutJames Expertise I am knowledgeable in almost every area of Locksmithing. This includes locks, keys, lost keys, residential and commercial lockouts, rekeying, masterkeying, high security locks, access control, electric locks, security cameras and home safety. I have been running an online business since 2004 where I sell all types of lock and security hardware to everyone from apartment renters to business owners to the US government. Before that I started a locksmith service in 1999. I deal with many types of security equipment including high security safe locks, heavy duty padlocks, exit devices, biometric readers, electric strikes, magnetic locks, full surface hinges and I only sell what I personally stand behind 100%. The online business has given me a more in-depth look at the locksmithing industry, helping me to learn more about each and every product that I offer, as well as products I don't have but end up finding for customers to solve any issues they have with security or door hardware.
Please don't submit any automotive or safe questions as these aren't areas that I can help in.
Experience I have been Locksmithing since 1999 and own my own Locksmithing business. I have many years of hands-on experience through the many services I have performed for my customers. I've run my business the way I wanted, treating everyone as I would like to be treated and knowing that any customer could be my last if I didn't perform my locksmithing duties as I had promised.
Organizations Montana Locksmith Association
Education/Credentials I have a diploma in Masterkeying, Advanced Locksmithing & Locksmithing from Foley-Belsaw.
Past/Present Clients US government, colleges, schools, city and state governments, large and small corporations, home owners.
Question I am currenly taking a locksmithing program. I plan to open a small business in the near future. I have a full time job that works out great due to the fact that i have my schedule for the whole year in advance. I work two day's on one week and five day's the next evey other weekend ,12 hour shift's.My question is with a schedule like this am i going to make any money due to the fact that i'm not avaliable evey day 24 hours a day? Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
Answer Hello J.R.,
Taking a Locksmithing program is a good start. It unfortunately doesn't always cover what you may need to know when you start getting calls. I suggest that once you get the course done you purchase some books that will help you learn about areas that weren't covered in the course.
Lock picking, safe and vault service, automotive locks, high security locks, IC Cores and electronic locks are things that about every locksmith should know about.
It's important to have a little knowledge of all areas of locksmithing and a lot of knowledge about one or two areas in order to serve your future customers well.
Your schedule may cause problems with a business but you have to start somewhere if you want to persue this. I started my business while working full time elsewhere and ran it with a full time job for 1-1/2 years before finally getting enough business on a regular basis to do it full time. I had many nights with little sleep since I would, and still do, get calls in the middle of the night and then have to go to my full time job at 7 A.M. Some sacrafices have to be made with any business venture and you will just have to juggle your regular job with your business when you get started.
You may go weeks without a late call or you may have one every night. It all depends on the population of the area in which you want to service and the number of other locksmiths in that same area.
Don't forget to find your niche - something that you can offer that no other locksmith in your area can or will do. Without a service that stands out people will not remember you, nor will any advertising you do stand out.
