Different ways in which a locksmith can fool you

There are no limits on the number of resources that can be used to learn the art and the science of locksmith operations. This does not require any special knowledge or skill sets. Since this is a trade which is quite easy to understand and operate, it can be learnt by almost any person with due training. The ease with which this can be learnt by anybody also means that the law enforcement agencies need to exercise a good measure of control since the same also directly impinges upon the safety and security of the people and the assets. So, if you are a new entrant to this occupation as a self-employed person, or an employee, it is important that you know what could be the issues that you might have to deal with in this occupation.

1.    Does your state require licensing? Most of the states do require the locksmiths to have due licenses of operation. And if they do require the same, you need to ascertain what all activities of a locksmith define him to be so in a particular state. For some of the simpler activities, like the opening of the locks of a vehicle, there may not be a requirement to get a license but, still, it might be required that you undergo the process of registration.

2.    Are you a locksmith or a lockout specialist? Many state jurisdictions make a difference between these two types of service providers. The locksmith is a much broader term which includes rekeying, fitting keys, do lock repair, install the hardware, alarms and electronic locks. The latter are just the specialists in the lockouts. There might be different set of rules and regulations for these services and it will even be helpful if you are able to specify the exact activity in detail, like ‘emergency vehicle lock out service provider’.

3.    Check for the requirements of insurance and the bonds. This might also be the requirement of some of the states. The insurance or the bond is a protection given to your business. This has nothing to do with the customers. Therefore, contrary to the popular belief that the customer is protected, it the locksmiths business which is protected with insurance and the bond. Some of the locksmiths advertise about their being bonded to get more clients since it projects their image as a credible service provider.

While these are the considerations of the regulatory and the structural framework which need to be catered to by the locksmith, there are a number of other considerations which might require his attention. These could be related to the marketing of his business, advertisement, the finances, the demand-supply situation of the locality for these operations and many others.

It might also be a good idea to talk to a few people, especially in this trade, before beginning this venture. Or, you can even seek the inputs from the local training institute or the government departments.