Starting a Locksmithing business is really hard!

      I've been in business 3 months now and I am finding it hard to find regular work. It seems that most of the auto and home lockout business is based off of google search results. I find it very hard to compete with those that have tons of cash to throw at Google ads. Trying to find a way to place high in results without spending money. It also takes time to start getting referrals from current customers. I know the business will take off at some point. My struggle is not with my locksmithing skills, but with other competition. I have lowered my prices and I am constantly marketing online and in person, I'm sure this will pay off, but staying in business until then is going to be difficult. If anyone reads this and went through a similar situation, I would love to hear how you got past it.  

Funny Locksmith Comic

Go to a locksmith to get your transponder keys. You'll save a lot!

Do you know how much more expensive it is to have an automobile dealer in Lansing Michigan replace a car key versus a Lansing Locksmith? Some dealerships charge $200 or more to replace a transponder key (keys from newer cars). This is a common issue across the United States. The expense is not from cutting the car key, which only costs a dollar or two in parts and labor. Much of the cost comes from the electronic chip in your vehicle's key itself. If you have a perfectly cut key without the correct programming for the chip, you can put it in the ignition and turn the car key and NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. Your car won't start. The dealer will charge you a marked up price for the transponder chip as well as a higher base pay to cover the salary of the worker. This cost gets passed on to YOU the consumer. But, shouldn’t I get a discount for bringing my car to THEM? A better option is to buy your replacement car keys from a locksmith. A locksmith will use the same equipment as a dealership but will charge up to half the price to replace your key. Many Locksmiths will even come to you. The most important part of getting your car key replaced is making sure the chip inside the key is programmed properly. Always test your new key before leaving the locksmith or as soon as you get home with your new car key. Contact the locksmith immediately if you have any problems unlocking the door or starting the car. If the car does not start it may mean there was a problem with the programming or even the cutting of the key and you will need to get the replacement car key replaced again. The sooner you contact the locksmith the greater your chances are for resolving the problem. Transponder Key Programming Programming a transponder key on site. Source: At Peace Locksmith ,Lansing ,Michigan Make sure you buy your replacement key from a reputable dealership or locksmith. It is possible to order a replacement online but make sure you do your research. Check online reviews of locksmiths you have in mind to obtain your keys from. When you buy replacement keys for your car it is like shopping for anything else. Call around and get prices from multiple dealers and locksmiths. Find the best price from the most reputable company and you are likely to find a replacement car key at a great price. It is critical to provide the make, model, and VIN number of the vehicle to the person programming your keys. Authenticate the reliability of the locksmith company before you give important or private information to program the keys for your vehicle. The Federal government has issued warnings about locksmith frauds and you may find yourself subject to a scam if you are not careful. See the article here:

Why should I re-key my locks when I move into a new house?

It is always in your best interest to re-key the locks on your new house. You should set up an appointment, with a locksmith, as soon as you're handed the keys. You never know how many copies of the old key are out there. I have re-keyed somes houses where the owner says there are 15 to 20 keys handed out, and they cannot remember who has the copies. Better safe than sorry. Having this service done will cost around $100-$200 depending on the number of keyholes you have. A keyhole is where a key fits into a lock, and is also referred to as a cylinder. Make sure the locksmith actually changed you to a new key. Compare the old key to the new keys and make sure the locksmith didn't cheat. If you find a reputable locksmith, this will not be a problem. Be sure you tell the locksmith about all of your locks. If you miss one and the locksmith has to some back, you will most likely be charged another service fee. Hope this info helps. Jason Moore Mountain Security Lock LLC (719) 337-2097 http://www.mountainsecuritylock.com

More about scammers: Auto Lockouts

This video is very informative. The locksmith in this video isn't the best talker on camera, but gives great information. Remember to always get quoted a flat fee before using a locksmith.

Check out these Assa Abloy door closer designs. Pretty good products.

When you want a good door closer I would check out Assa Abloy's line of products. A little bit pricy, but worth the cost. If you want a lower priced door closer, I would look at LCN or General closers.

Choosing The Right High Security Padlock

There are many different levels of padlock security. The following video will go through many models and makers of low to high security padlocks.