An editorial in Locksmith ledger twenty years ago described the State of the Industry at that time. The editorial described situations involving associations, distributors, manufacturers, locksmiths and licensing.
Back then associations were groups which focused on education and socializing. Distributors were changing from small, individual local companies and moving towards selling to a broader country-wide audience. Name brand products from popular manufacturers of security products were appearing in big box stores. Locksmith licensing was a hot button topic.
People who enter the locksmith trade were described as wanting to become their own boss. According to the article, "most new locksmiths see sales of labor as the best and easiest way to make money." That idea has not changed in twenty years.
The old editorial from twenty years ago also mentioned that popular security products could be found at big box stores for approximately the same cost to the public as legitimate locksmiths must pay at locksmith distributors. That fact has not changed in twenty years either.
My residence recently had a serious problem. A water pipe burst and flooded the basement. It was 6:00 PM on a Saturday night. A plumber who advertised emergency service was called. He quoted a $150 service call plus $60 for every 15 minutes that he would be on the job.
A few years ago our family locksmith business had a chance to replace 400 locks in a Chicago hotel. However, the hotel required that we must use union installers. The local carpenters union at that time required workers to be paid $75 per hour. It is time to look at our pricing structure. Major lock companies have just raised their parts pricing and it is time to raise our labor charges too.
Finally, the old editorial recommended that associations should assume a new role. Associations should move from focusing on social gatherings and educational events and concentrate more on ways to collectively work together. Advertise your occupation, sell your services as a group to large accounts and work together on bigger jobs.
The conclusion twenty years ago was that associations such as the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) should stand as a model. NBFAA has national licensing and a uniform set of guidelines for servicing alarm systems. That old editorial recommended working together and the recommendation is still the same today. So far, little has changed in twenty years.
