Locksmith

[Foul Bob]

A friend of a friend of the Inlaws has just come out of the Army and they have re trained him so that he has a trade for civilian life. He did some locksmith courses, but has chosen to do something private security related instead, just took the free course while they were offering it. It's my understanding that his choice wasn't for any financial reason, just laziness with setting up a business, buying equipment etc.

I had a little look in to this as I'm sick to death of working for someone else and the politics at work are getting me down to the point where I can hardly stand to go in any more.

As I understand it, you complete some courses (not cheap but not horrendously expensive either), register with a professional body, get some insurances, buy some tools/equipment, and off you go. Tools and equipment not cheap but I can live with that. Obviously a website, advertising and a call out service would help drum up some business, and auto locks, programming keys etc surely is growing.

I live in an area where the market doesn't seem very saturated with this kind of thing, you can also get on to insurance companies book as an approved partner so they'll send you in the event of local claims etc.

I can't help but think it sounds too easy, and when something sounds too easy it's usually because it is. Now I'm not suggesting work would take off immediately, and perhaps its a little ambitious to go flying solo with a locksmith business after just a few courses, but really aside from the initial expense, it seems like a good idea to take a step in to the world of self employment. With that would come its own stresses and strains but I'm happy to give it a go, I have a 'trade' so to speak with my current role and can always go back to it or do some contracting if need be.

I could also fit in the training around work, and get it up and running alongside my usual job.

Does anyone have any more insight in to this, any helpful knowledge or things I may have missed and need to consider?

Obviously I'm doing all the research I can outside of this forum, and due to meet with a local reputable training provider for more information soon.

All advice/criticism appreciated. It's not a calling and may well not be my dream, but I think it could improve my quality of life ten fold and make myself and missus a lot happier.

Cheers

Bob

[Foul Bob]

I'd be keen to offer 24 hour service.. Been working nights for a while now so I have gained an ability to wake up no matter how little sleep ive had.

I really am struggling to find a reason not to give it a go.