Mobile locksmith for homes and businesses

Homeowners, tenants, landlords, property managers and small businesses, often after a lockout, a move or a break-in.

A call-out fee plus a price per job, with extra for parts, after-hours visits and new hardware. Repeat work often comes from landlords and property managers.

• Hands-on mechanical skill
• Patience and problem solving
• Trustworthy and professional with customers
• Good local knowledge for routing

• Licensing differs by province: some, such as Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, have rules for locksmiths or security work, so check with your provincial regulator
• Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for tools and stock in your vehicle
• Training, a key cutting machine, stock and a suitably equipped vehicle add up, so costs can reach the upper end of the range if you buy a van
• Always verify the customer's right to access the property (ID or lease) to avoid helping with a break-in
• Unclear or very low advertised prices can attract complaints, so quote clearly in advance
• Winter lockouts bring extra demand but also hard working conditions and safety risks on the road

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on training, a key cutting machine, stock and your vehicle. Costs can reach the upper end of the range if you buy a van.

Licensing differs by province. Some, such as Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, have rules for locksmiths or security work, so check with your provincial regulator. Also check insurance for liability, tools and stock, and always verify each customer's right to access the property.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many call-outs you take and your pricing. Quote clearly in advance, as unclear prices can attract complaints. Estimates suggest at least about 15 hours a week.