How to Succeed in Mobile Locksmith Business Without Really Trying 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 locksmith service, 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.