Mobile key cutting and lock supply van

Householders, landlords, real estate agents, property managers, small businesses and tradies who need quick keys or locks.

A call-out fee or price per job, plus charges per key cut and margin on locks supplied. Regular work from agents and property managers can fill quiet days.

• Mechanical aptitude and careful hands
• Friendly, trustworthy manner at customers' homes
• Route planning and basic bookkeeping

• Licensing for locksmithing work varies by state and territory, so confirm what you need before taking jobs
• Public liability insurance, and cover for tools and stock in your vehicle
• Check the customer's identity and right to access the property before opening or changing locks
• Theft risk when keys and tools are kept in a vehicle
• Check any council rules if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your vehicle and the stock of locks and cylinders you carry. Check insurance for tools and stock kept in the vehicle as part of your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many hours you work, your area and the jobs you take on. These are revenue estimates, not profit, and vehicle and stock costs come out of them.

Licensing for locksmithing work varies by state and territory, so confirm what you need before taking jobs. Also check public liability and vehicle stock insurance, identity and access checks before opening or changing locks, and council rules on home storage.