How to Start Your Own Locksmith Franchise

Becky Martin, writer

Published at 10/02/2019, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

How to Start Your Own Locksmith Franchise — Photo © key-cutting-franchise.jpeg

Considering a career change? You might be interested in how you can unlock your successful future as a locksmith franchise unit owner. Find out how in this article.

The locksmith industry is big business in the UK. Many franchises either specialise in key cutting or cut keys alongside a whole range of other services from locksmithing and home security to shoe repair and photo printing. It’s a fantastic investment opportunity as it’s something that will never go out of business – having a safe and secure home or commercial premises is a priority to us all. Let’s now delve deeper into why investing in a locksmith franchise makes solid business sense.

Reasons why starting a locksmith franchise unit is a great idea

1. Constant demand

A reliable, quick and good-quality key cutting service is something we’ll all need to access at some point in our lives. Whether it’s getting a key cut to celebrate a partner moving in, presenting a house key to a teenager to mark their growing independence or simply keeping a few spares around for those keys that always seem to get lost, key cutting is a big industry.

2. Customers trust established brands

Many people will set up a small stall in their local shopping mall and try to provide key cutting services this way. However, without a recognisable name and brand reputation behind you, it might be difficult to gain customers’ trust with something as sensitive as their house keys and it can be tough to find success in the key cutting and locksmithing sector as an individual.

But, if you choose to become a franchisee for a well-known, trusted and established franchise that provides expert key cutting and other services, you could see quick profits and run your very own business with the support of a team that will do everything they can to ensure your success.

Top tips for starting a locksmith franchise unit

1. Check you’re right for the job

Before you think about investing in a locksmith franchise, you need to make sure that you are suited to the role. Two of the most important attributes you should have are great practical skills and dexterity. It’s also crucial that you have an eye for detail, have fantastic problem-solving skills, are patient and can confidently communicate with customers.

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2. Choose a location

Think about the radius of the area you are going to work in. You should examine the market and factor in things like whether it’s a high crime or cash-rich area. By choosing the former, you might find that many of your business requests are from customers that need their doors or locks repairing. Whereas, with the latter, the majority of your business might be upgrading locks.

3. Analyse the competition

You need to find out how many locksmiths there are in your desired area. Then, look into what services they specialise in or added perks they offer customers, for example a 24-hour service, safe opening etc. If an area is overpopulated with locksmiths, you might want to consider looking elsewhere. Or if you’re committed to a certain area, you need to make sure that you are offering a unique service that will entice customers to choose you over a neighbouring business.

4. Decide what you’re going to offer

If you launch a domestic locksmith business, you will probably offer the following services:

Fixing a door lock that’s broken
Unlocking a door when someone is locked out
Repairing a jammed window lock
Repairing locks that have been damaged from burglaries

Prefer to serve commercial customers? You’ll most likely to asked to do the following:

Changing locks for shop doors and display cabinets, and lock systems for offices and banks
Warrant work
Fitting and changing locks for landlords and letting agencies

5. Get experience

You don’t actually need any qualifications to operate a locksmith franchise unit. There are also no licensing requirements for locksmiths in the UK, as the government doesn’t want to heighten the legislative burden small businesses face.

With that being said, having expertise operating tools like planers, drills and chisels will be very helpful. It could also be favourable to have some experience in a similar sector, like carpentry, but this isn’t essential.

Either way, you need to be able to know what locks are best suited to your domestic or commercial clients and how to make sure their property is secure.

6. Get a DBS check

As you will be entering people’s homes and fitting their locks, you should undergo a DBS check to give your clients peace of mind.

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Point Franchise business opportunity

Lockforce

If you’re thinking about setting up your own business in the capital that provides an expert key-cutting service, along with security solutions and trusted locksmithing, Lockforce could be the franchise for you. Despite being a relatively young company, Lockforce comes from the highly respected Forces Group of franchises and is seeking budding entrepreneurs to take its business model across the country.

Servicing everyone from domestic customers and letting agents to schools, care homes and even commercial businesses and retailers, Lockforce is versatile and provides the highest-quality locks, security solutions and key cutting services around.

With 10 franchise units already serving customers across the country, Lockforce is looking to make an even bigger impact on the UK.

Becoming a Lockforce franchisee: You don’t need any previous experience in the industry to be accepted onto the franchise programme.
How much you need to invest: You need to be able to invest just under £15,000.
What you get for your investment: Each franchisee will benefit from a fully equipped toolkit, stock and uniforms for their staff, as well as support in all areas including marketing, contract management, business development and technical training.

Turn the key to your locksmith franchise unit

Now you’ve read some tips to get the wheels of your locksmith franchise in motion and seen a rundown of one of the top franchise opportunities, you should have a better idea of whether it’s for you. Lockforce is currently the only locksmith franchise on Point Franchise, but you can keep checking back in case any more opportunities are added. Or you can browse almost 80 personal and home care services franchise opportunites.