Starting
a mobile locksmith business allows you to provide different services
including emergency, residential and automotive services in a location
convenient to you.
With a mobile locksmithservice, you can solve lock problems plaguing a client’s vehicle, home or
office. This convenient service lets clients go about their regular day to day
routine while you pick their locks, change their locking systems, re-key their
locks or make new keys. Many clients do not have the luxury and time to
maintain their locks. Mobile locksmiths can save customers a lot of
time. Here are steps on how to start a mobile locksmith business:
Steps
1
Obtain all the necessary
permits to start a mobile locksmith business by contacting your local clerk’s
office. Apply for a local tax ID number through the Internal Revenue Service.
You can use this number to fill tax and other business documents with local and
national agencies. Sales tax numbers, applied through the HM Revenue and
Customs Office, are required to accept sales tax from clients. Register your
mobile locksmith business to form a corporation, limited liability company or
partnership. Purchasing business insurance is advisable to protect your locksmithing
equipment from damage or to cover costs of a lawsuit or settlement.
2
Get in touch with
corresponding local authorities to determine if you need a locksmith’s license
to start a mobile locksmith business. If necessary, you may have to complete
training and pass all examinations to qualify for a license to operate.
3
Make a home office
spacious enough to store all your locksmithing equipment, such as tools,
key-cutting machine, cloths and safety equipment such as safety gloves and knee
pads, client files and invoices. You can purchase bookkeeping and invoicing
software to easily track customer orders, invoices and business income. Buy or
lease a van or large truck large enough to transport locksmithing equipment
from location to location safely.
4
Get hold of mechanic
tools, a toolbox and other materials you need to run a successful mobile locksmith
business. Make yourself a list of local locksmith supply shops such as lock
specialty stores and general supply stores so you can quickly buy repair items
when necessary.
5
Advertise your business
by printing fliers and business cards. Leave fliers at local locksmith shops,
hardware shops, car washes and diners to attract customers. Make a website to
sell the types of locksmith services you provide. Don’t forget to include all
necessary contact information, hours of operation and client testimonials. You
may also list your business in local business directories.
Tips & Tricks
To attract all kinds of
customers, provide as many locksmith services as possible.
As you could cause more
damage to the door locks, or car, do not take on jobs that require specialized
parts or skills you do not possess.
Study all you can about
basic electronics. Locksmithing is no longer about wielding metal locks and
keys. You will eventually have to deal with electrical security systems as
well.
