Lock and key shop
Run a small storefront selling locks and safes and cutting keys for walk-in customers.
- $15k-60k
- 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 retail shop that sells padlocks, door hardware and key blanks, cuts and duplicates keys, and offers rekeying, often with a mobile service on the side.
Your first three steps
- Check your state's locksmith licensing rules and your city's zoning and business license requirements
- Find a small retail unit in a busy area and get quotes from lock and key wholesalers
- Set up your key machine, an opening stock of popular locks and blanks, and a simple point-of-sale system
Who pays
Local householders, renters, landlords, contractors and small businesses.
How it makes money
Key cutting fees and product sales at a markup, plus paid rekeying and installation jobs.
Skills that help
- Key cutting and lock knowledge
- Basic retail and inventory management
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Locksmith licensing differs by state, so check with your state board or local authorities
- Commercial lease terms, rent and deposit commitments
- General liability and property insurance, plus sales tax registration with your state
- Stock tied up in inventory; start with fast-moving items
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: lock and key shop
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a lock and key shop?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your lease, deposit, equipment and stock. Starting with fast-moving items helps avoid tying up money in inventory.
How much can a lock and key shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location, foot traffic and services offered. A starting estimate for time commitment is at least about 35 hours a week in the shop.
What licenses and rules should I check for a locksmith shop?
Locksmith licensing differs by state, so check with your state board or local authorities. Also check commercial lease terms, rent and deposit commitments, general liability and property insurance, and sales tax registration with your state.
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