Retail Shop Attention Grabbbers!
Looking for some eye-catching impulse items? Key Craze offers many cool keychains and hooks in addition to their extensive line of decorative key blanks. Some of these include the squeaky frog keychain (squeaks and sticks out its tongue when squeezed) and key hiders that double as outdoor thermometers.
Exclusive decorative key hooks/hanger comes on a barcoded retail card. It will compliment your key cutting area.
They also sell key chains, wrist coils, key tags, key reels, belt holders, key identifiers and lanyards. Unique items, such as antique locks and keys, decorative key hooks, displays and merchandisers are also available.
More info: 800) 490-7539, http://www.keycraze.com/
Wearables for Access Control
A recent article from the ASSA ABLOY Future Lab examines the future role of wearables as multi-functional access control credentials.
A leader in this futuristic technology has been Disney. “ Walt Disney World uses wristbands, dubbed “magic bands”, in the place of traditional access cards for their hotel rooms. “But what really set the magic band apart as the next generation is that it’s multi-functional. It’s not just a secure credential for your hotel room,” said Julian Lovelock, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at HID Global.
Lovelock places existing wearable technology into three categories:
- General-purpose wearable computers, such as the Apple Watch
- Single-use wearables, such as the Fitbit or Jawbone
- Wearables with an exclusive access control focus.
As access control focused wearables evolve, developers must keep two priorities in mind, Lovelock added. First is choice “We have to give users the choice of which piece of hardware they’ll use to open their hotel room door. Will it be strapped to their wrist? On their key chain?”
Second is the need for devices that enable multiple applications.
Read the full article at http://futurelab.assaabloy.com/en/shift-on-the-wearable-horizon/
The Competition?
Unfortunately, many homeowners in the market for new locksets will start their searches at the Big box home improvement stores, and they will find a long aisle lined with all sorts of pretty locks, builder grade, primarily from Kwikset, Schlage and Baldwin.
A recent walk through Home Depot found large Kwikset SmartKey displays with lots and lots of choices for finishes and styles, both traditional keyed deadbolts and locks with an additional keypad feature. Similar Schlage products were also featured, along with Baldwin choices in every style and finish imaginable. Lowes stocked a similar assortment, adding more home automation information and information on some of Schlage's newest consumer products like the Schlage Connect. On the other end of the spectrum, they also stocked some extremely inexpensive deadbolts and keyed lever locks from a brand called GateHouse. Target appears to carry a lot of Master Lock door hardware.
The average homeowner probably doesn't understand the difference in quality between Big Box store locksets and locks purchased from/installed by their local locksmith. It is up to the locksmiths to reach out and educate consumers in their areas, focusing on two areas:
1. The locksmith as a security expert, with the skills and knowledge to recommend better solutions to keep their family and possessions safe.
2. Better quality door hardware. Big Box stores don't sell high security locks or even many of the Grade 1 or decorative locks available through locksmiths.
Bluetooth Padlocks
Looking for a new type of padlock to sell? Master Loc is now offering Bluetooth padlocks, ideal for your techie customers who want to open all their locks with their phone.
According to Master Lock, Master Lock Bluetooth Smart Padlocks put control in the palm of your hand, so you can protect what matters most in your life. Unlock your lock, share access with guests, and monitor activity - all with one easy-to-use app.
Have your phone? Touch any button on the lock and open it. Phone not available? Just enter the directional code on your lock keypad.
More Info: http://www.masterlock.com/bluetooth
Video Surveillance: See Around Corners
Pelco Optera™ Panoramic Cameras take in the whole panoramic scene while simultaneously drilling down into detailed, fully immersive views where you can pan, tilt, and zoom into areas of interest. Optera Panoramic Cameras optimize images from each of four sensors, seamlessly stitching and blending them to deliver a natural, continuous panorama – eliminating the image gap resulting from fixed and PTZ cameras while overcoming the performance gap of competitive panoramic cameras. These Optera™ panoramic cameras are equipped with SureVision 2.0 WDR imaging technology.
“While other multi-imager solutions can be disjointed with separate video streams that are sometimes out of order, Optera cameras transparently integrate video across all sensors in the camera, presenting a seamless high-quality user experience. These cameras also allow users to zoom in to the scene for excellent image detail in multiple intuitive immersive views from a VMS. Optera cameras capture 12 megapixel video, at up to 12.5 frames per second at full resolution,” said Kevin Saldanha, Senior Product Manager, Pelco by Schneider Electric.
All models include a camera and a mount (in-ceiling mount, surface mount, or pendant enclosure) that is ready to install. All models feature a robust, metal, tamper-resistant design, and carry an IK10 impact rating for vandal-resistance. For more information, visit: www.pelco.com/optera
Marketing Your Shop
Here are five some simple and inexpensive marketing tips for small businesses and how they might apply to retail lockshops.
- Give Your Stuff Away. We certainly don’t mean to give away locksets, but pass out business cards or brochures or even consider small giveaway items like keyrings or refrigerator magnets reminding your customers to call you when they need emergency service or are considering security upgrade for their home or business.
- Attend networking events. Go to your local chamber of commerce breakfast and offer security expertise to the other small – and large – business owners in your community.
- Send regular email communications to your customers. Let them know if you have a new product or a new service.
- Be savvy on social media. Post photos and updates on major products and offer expert security tips. And just as importantly, be proactive in responding to comments and answering messages on all your social media accounts.
- Develop a customer referral program. Consider giving discounts, credits or small giveaway items to existing customers who send new business your way.
New Personali-Keys®
A consumer favorite and great impulse sales items for the commercial lockshop, Kaba-Ilco’s decorative key blanks and Personali-Keys® come in a variety of patterns and shapes that include designs that support charitable foundations and organizations, appeal to team-spirited fans and more.
Personali-Keys® Shapes feature whimsical designs on uniquely shaped, oversized bows express customer’s style and make keys much easier to locate on their key rings.
Personali-Keys® Ribbons: This globally recognized ribbon shape offers consumers a symbolic way to show their personal commitment to a cause. Ilco donates a portion of the revenue from the sale of all RIBBON “Keys for the Cause” to non-profit charitable foundations.
Trendy Patterns / US Military Designs and TeamKeys® & Collegiate Keys are also offered.
