Mobile Key Cutting Service

Property managers, landlords, short-term rental hosts, small offices and homeowners who want spare keys without a trip to a store.

A flat price per key cut, with extra for specialty or high-security blanks. Repeat contracts with property managers add steady volume.

• Steady hands and attention to detail
• Learning to identify key types and blanks
• Friendly customer service
• Basic scheduling and route planning

• Some states license locksmiths, and key duplication may or may not be covered, so check your state licensing board
• General liability insurance, and possibly coverage for tools and stock in your vehicle
• Keys marked 'Do Not Duplicate' and the need to avoid copying keys for people who may not be authorized to have them
• Car transponder keys and fobs need extra equipment and training, so start with standard keys
• Local rules on operating from a vehicle or parking while working

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on your vehicle set-up, the duplicating machine you choose and your stock of key blanks. Starting with standard keys can keep costs down, since car transponder keys need extra equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your area, your route and how many property managers, landlords and offices you serve. Regular pop-up spots and repeat clients can help keep work steady.

Some states license locksmiths, and key duplication may or may not be covered, so check with your state licensing board. Also check local rules on operating from a vehicle, and be careful with keys marked 'Do Not Duplicate'.