Key cutting kiosk or small shop
Run a small counter, kiosk or storefront cutting keys and selling basic locks to walk-in customers.
- $8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
3,961 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.8% in a year
NAICS 561622 “Locksmiths”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small shop, mall kiosk or counter space where people walk in to get copies of house, car and padlock keys. You can also sell padlocks, key rings, lockboxes and basic door hardware.
Your first three steps
- Scout busy locations such as strip malls, grocery store frontages or shared retail space and compare rents
- Get quotes for a duplicating machine, blanks and display fixtures from a locksmith supplier
- Register your LLC or sole proprietorship, get an EIN, and check city and county license and sales tax requirements
Who pays
Walk-in customers from the neighborhood, renters, students, small businesses and people who have just moved.
How it makes money
Per-key fees paid on the spot, plus margin on locks, key rings and other small items. Foot traffic and a good location matter most.
Skills that help
- Accurate machine work and quality checking
- Customer service at the counter
- Basic stock control and pricing
- Simple bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Check whether your state requires a locksmith license for key duplication or lock sales
- Sales tax registration with your state, since you will sell taxable goods
- General liability and property insurance for the space and stock
- Lease terms and zoning for the location
- Slow days, since income depends on foot traffic, so keep fixed costs low
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a key cutting kiosk or shop?
Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, the machines you buy and your stock of blanks and locks. Check lease terms and zoning for the space before committing.
How much revenue can a key cutting shop make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on foot traffic, location and what extras you sell, such as padlocks and key rings. Income depends on walk-in customers, so keep fixed costs low for slow days.
Do I need a license to run a key cutting shop?
Check whether your state requires a locksmith license for key duplication or lock sales. Also check sales tax registration with your state, general liability and property insurance for the space and stock, and lease and zoning terms.
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