There are so many locksmith directories out there now that it's difficult to know which ones are worth adding your locksmith business to.
Well the answer is simple really: As many free listings as you can.
If a site is insisting you pay to list your locksmith business the general rule of thumb would suggest that it's not worth investing in. If they are really as great as the claim then they would surely offer a free trial to prove so.
There are a couple of directories aimed at promoting the small local locksmiths that I would recommend that are entirely free. They do offer a paid feature but it's not mandatory like most of the paid locksmith directories.
Firstly: http://www.locksmith-directory.org.uk is the original 'No nationals' directory that are lot of people are now trying to re-create. This directory ranks no.1 for the term locksmith directory so is a good way to be found online for customers searching for a directory. All entries are vetted and checked so there are no national and spam firms listed here.
Second one worth mentioning is http://www.doors-repaired.co.uk a similar directory built on the back of a locksmiths site that lists all genuine local door repair firms in the UK. Again the same No National locksmiths ethics apply.
A lot of the magazine publications are also creating online local locksmith directories that you may want to add to, just be warned that they will cold call you and try to get you to subscribe to the magazines in return (which we all get free anyway).
Then there are also a lot of seo and web companies with similar themed locksmith directories all looking for paid entries and making a lot of promises. In my experience these are best avoided if giving the hard sell on the phone. This includes Yell.com and Thomson local who both offer free listings but will pester you to death with cold calls afterwards.
Showing posts with label be a locksmith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label be a locksmith. Show all posts
Monday, 29 February 2016
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
I'm Back | Locksmith Blog
Locksmith Blog Return
Locksmiths Blog | Local Locksmiths | Door Repairs
I have been away fro quite some time now, it has been pretty busy in the locksmithing world and I have had plenty of work to be getting on with so I kind of neglected to update the locksmith blog.I have also been working on a lot of other sites providing SEO for locksmiths across the country which turned out to be quite time consuming.
Hopefully I will be updating the locksmith blog shortly with some fresh content, new locksmith secrets and latest product reviews.
In the meantime if you are struggling to get your locksmith fix you can check out Rick the locksmith.
Monday, 22 April 2013
Five more random Locksmith Tips | Locksmith Blog
Wow!
Had loads of positive feedback regarding the last post i made earlier in the month sharing five random locksmith tips.
So by popular demand i shall follow with a further five tips to improve your locksmithing experience, just the little things that can improve an awkward job, speed things up a little and make life easier for us.
1/ Inserting the Yale tailpiece
When changing a nightlatch cylinder it is often difficult to re-insert the tailpiece of the rim cylinder into the slot in the back of the nightlatch, particularly on the small backsets.
I find that filing the corners slightly off the tailpiece will guide it home much smoother without trying to poke it in place with a wire.
2/ Picking Eclipse/Walsall lever locks
These new grey cheapo BS lever locks have a serious flaw. My mate, a locksmith in Stoke, noticed only the frontmost lever in the pack is capable of engaging the antipick notch due to the ridiculous design of the bolt. An easy pick knowing that once the back four are set all you need to do is lift that front lever in.
3/ Yale MPL grub screws
Lost the grub screw from that old yale mech? Cut down a normal euro retaining screw and remove the head. Saw a small notch into the end and file tidy before inserting with a flat blade screwdriver.
4/ Save good curtainwheels
Hang on to unworn curtainwheels from old locks. These come in handy when repairing welded gate locks. Nine times out of ten I have found the problem is a worn curtainwheel and replacing the innards saves you serious time and more importantly the customers money.
5/ Latched PVC door - No letterbox
Split spindles can have a customer locked out even though the door is as good as open. When there is no letterbox handy to use a letterbox tool I use a flat steel bar and pry open the latch area.
The PVC has more than enough flex to remain undamaged and the door will simply pop open unscathed. Childsplay, just try make it look more technical than it really is.
Hope these few nuggetts are of help to you.
Rick - Ricks Locksmiths
Had loads of positive feedback regarding the last post i made earlier in the month sharing five random locksmith tips.
So by popular demand i shall follow with a further five tips to improve your locksmithing experience, just the little things that can improve an awkward job, speed things up a little and make life easier for us.
1/ Inserting the Yale tailpiece
When changing a nightlatch cylinder it is often difficult to re-insert the tailpiece of the rim cylinder into the slot in the back of the nightlatch, particularly on the small backsets.
I find that filing the corners slightly off the tailpiece will guide it home much smoother without trying to poke it in place with a wire.
2/ Picking Eclipse/Walsall lever locks
These new grey cheapo BS lever locks have a serious flaw. My mate, a locksmith in Stoke, noticed only the frontmost lever in the pack is capable of engaging the antipick notch due to the ridiculous design of the bolt. An easy pick knowing that once the back four are set all you need to do is lift that front lever in.
3/ Yale MPL grub screws
Lost the grub screw from that old yale mech? Cut down a normal euro retaining screw and remove the head. Saw a small notch into the end and file tidy before inserting with a flat blade screwdriver.
4/ Save good curtainwheels
Hang on to unworn curtainwheels from old locks. These come in handy when repairing welded gate locks. Nine times out of ten I have found the problem is a worn curtainwheel and replacing the innards saves you serious time and more importantly the customers money.
5/ Latched PVC door - No letterbox
Split spindles can have a customer locked out even though the door is as good as open. When there is no letterbox handy to use a letterbox tool I use a flat steel bar and pry open the latch area.
The PVC has more than enough flex to remain undamaged and the door will simply pop open unscathed. Childsplay, just try make it look more technical than it really is.
Hope these few nuggetts are of help to you.
Rick - Ricks Locksmiths
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Running a Successful Locksmith Business | Locksmith Blog
With hundreds of new locksmiths training across the country every week its no surprise that the bread and butter work is thinning out somewhat.
Although the majority of new locksmiths never make it past the six month mark there are a few that work hard to get established.
Im often asked what the keys to running a successful locksmith business are?
In my case; a lot of marketing, a pinch of luck and having some good contacts already established in the locksmith industry.
If i had my time again though I would certainly focus on these key points:
1/ Be available
If you are to compete in the emergency locksmith field you need to be available almost all of the time, don't advertise 24 hour if you can't honour it. If you find yourself turning down as much work as you are doing due to other commitments then this may not be the best career choice.
2/ Never arrive late
Nobody wants to be hanging around waiting for you, make sure you can show up when you are supposed to, ideally get there early! Not only does it show you are a keen professional but also gives you the opportunity to have a quick look at what you are up against and to relax a little.
I have so many customers moan to me about how the previous locksmith they called failed to show up on time and tried to keep them waiting further... usually the national locksmith chains!
3/ Keep enough stock
Ensure you have enough stock to complete the work there and then. You should be stocking a large range of euro cylinders in all sizes and finishes, all sizes of sash and deadlocks, ideally a range of brands to save any carpentry work and all the common upvc mechs to eliminate the need for another appointment.
It is almost impossible to keep everything on board your van and you will no doubt encounter new and unusual locks on your travels but lacking the basics listed above would be unprofessional.
4/ Avoid shiny tool syndrome
It is tempting to buy all the latest tools and gadgets when starting up, however a lot is not essential and can be purchased further down the line as your budget allows and your business grows.
I have seen a lot of locksmiths jump straight in and buy thousands of pounds worth of decoders that then sit on the van gathering dust. Unless you intend to go straight into warrant work they won't be earning their keep and you could make better use of a good curtain pick at a fraction of the cost.
5/ Be wary of national contractors
You may decide to work on behalf of a national locksmith company or franchise in your earlier years.
Although best avoided altogether they can be a good way to gain experience and steal away some local customers.
Know when its time to ditch them! Once they start messing you around with pay (which they will) tell them to stick it. Afterall these guys are taking work in your area and then sending you anyway at your expense.
Although the majority of new locksmiths never make it past the six month mark there are a few that work hard to get established.
Im often asked what the keys to running a successful locksmith business are?
In my case; a lot of marketing, a pinch of luck and having some good contacts already established in the locksmith industry.
If i had my time again though I would certainly focus on these key points:
1/ Be available
If you are to compete in the emergency locksmith field you need to be available almost all of the time, don't advertise 24 hour if you can't honour it. If you find yourself turning down as much work as you are doing due to other commitments then this may not be the best career choice.
2/ Never arrive late
Nobody wants to be hanging around waiting for you, make sure you can show up when you are supposed to, ideally get there early! Not only does it show you are a keen professional but also gives you the opportunity to have a quick look at what you are up against and to relax a little.
I have so many customers moan to me about how the previous locksmith they called failed to show up on time and tried to keep them waiting further... usually the national locksmith chains!
3/ Keep enough stock
Ensure you have enough stock to complete the work there and then. You should be stocking a large range of euro cylinders in all sizes and finishes, all sizes of sash and deadlocks, ideally a range of brands to save any carpentry work and all the common upvc mechs to eliminate the need for another appointment.
It is almost impossible to keep everything on board your van and you will no doubt encounter new and unusual locks on your travels but lacking the basics listed above would be unprofessional.
4/ Avoid shiny tool syndrome
It is tempting to buy all the latest tools and gadgets when starting up, however a lot is not essential and can be purchased further down the line as your budget allows and your business grows.
I have seen a lot of locksmiths jump straight in and buy thousands of pounds worth of decoders that then sit on the van gathering dust. Unless you intend to go straight into warrant work they won't be earning their keep and you could make better use of a good curtain pick at a fraction of the cost.
5/ Be wary of national contractors
You may decide to work on behalf of a national locksmith company or franchise in your earlier years.
Although best avoided altogether they can be a good way to gain experience and steal away some local customers.
Know when its time to ditch them! Once they start messing you around with pay (which they will) tell them to stick it. Afterall these guys are taking work in your area and then sending you anyway at your expense.
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