Mobile key cutting and lock supply

Landlords, property managers, strata or condo boards, small businesses and homeowners.

Per key cut, a call-out fee, and markup on locks and cylinders you supply, often with repeat work from property managers.

• Operating key-cutting machines
• Knowing common residential locks
• Reliable scheduling and driving
• Building trust with repeat clients

• Some provinces may license locksmiths and key cutters, so check your provincial regulator before you offer fitting or rekeying
• Commercial general liability and commercial vehicle insurance
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence for mobile work
• Verify the customer's right to have keys cut, especially for rentals and restricted keys
• Winter driving and working outdoors in cold weather

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the van, key-cutting machine and the range of locks and cylinders you stock. Insurance, including commercial vehicle cover, is worth pricing early.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many landlords, property managers and businesses you serve and how many jobs you take. The idea assumes at least about 15 hours a week.

Some provinces may license locksmiths and key cutters, so check your provincial regulator before offering fitting or rekeying. Also check municipal business licence rules for mobile work, insurance, and verify the customer's right to have keys cut, especially for rentals and restricted keys.