Mobile Key Cutting Service

Property managers, landlords, condo boards, small businesses and busy households who would rather not make a trip to a shop.

A price per key plus a call-out or minimum visit fee. Repeat work from property managers and landlords can fill a day with several stops.

• Precise handwork with a cutting machine
• Reliable and trustworthy, since you handle keys to people's homes
• Route planning and scheduling
• Customer service

• Some provinces regulate locksmiths and key-related work (for example Ontario and Quebec), so check with your provincial regulator before you start
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check your auto policy covers business use and equipment in the vehicle
• Verify who is asking for a copy and how you will handle restricted or 'Do Not Duplicate' keys
• Winter driving, cold-weather work and the cost of fuel and vehicle upkeep
• Car transponder keys need extra equipment and training, so treat them as a separate skill to check before offering

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your vehicle, cutting equipment and blank stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $2,000 to $9,000, depending on your area and how many jobs you book.

Some provinces regulate locksmiths and key-related work, so check with your provincial regulator first. Also check that your auto policy covers business use, how you will verify who is asking for a copy, and how to handle restricted or 'Do Not Duplicate' keys.

Estimates suggest at least about 12 hours a week, depending on bookings and travel time. Helpful skills include precise handwork, being trustworthy with keys to people's homes, route planning and scheduling, and customer service.