A day in the life of a locksmith can range from something as simple as cutting a key all the way up to installing access control and cameras. Clearly, elements of locksmithing and security go hand in hand, and both have overlapped and evolved in many ways over the years. But large integrators aren’t the only ones that can install systems that include access control or video surveillance. There are growth opportunities for locksmiths in the installation of connected devices.

Locksmiths who educate themselves on connected devices are getting the business. Obviously, mechanical devices never will go away, but the electromechanical side is growing, and locksmiths have to seek out educational opportunities from training sessions — on-site and virtually. And with the immense numbers of offerings available, this creates a demand for product introductions from suppliers, so locksmiths can deliver the right solutions to their customers.

One example of a new opportunity would be when a customer reaches out for guidance on what’s required for touchless access control. Walk the job with your customer and identify solutions at different prices for touchless actuators. Then, talk to your distributor to find products that are simple and reasonably priced.

After you place an order, request training at your shop, and when the installation date is scheduled, have some hands-on assistance for the first install and programming to prepare yourself for subsequent ones. After that, you’ll be comfortable and confident to bid these jobs.

For those who are new to electronic solutions, the first step is to embrace low-voltage products, such as low-energy operators. After you learn them and become licensed, if required in certain states, you’ll open your business to more opportunities. A good supplier partner not only will offer multiple trainings during the year, but they also will introduce vendors and products to help you to become comfortable with the offerings and products that might be new to you.

Key Takeaways

1) Educate yourself and get training on new products and offerings. If you believe you might miss out on business during training sessions, notify your customers via voicemail or email that you’re engaged in training so you can better serve them in the future.

2) After you learn a new product installation, you’ll be comfortable bidding on jobs that will increase your sales and grow your business.

3) Embrace low-voltage products.

The above article has been reprinted with permission from the Locksmith Ledger International . While it reflects insights from the American market, we believe its themes and takeaways are highly relevant to our industry here.

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Changing World of Locksmithing | part 2

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