Every person working in the trade of locksmithing has some amount of desire to improve as a technician. Working quickly, efficiently, and skillfully can allow more jobs to be performed in a day, greater customer satisfaction, and personal satisfaction. At CLKsupplies, we want each person working in the trade of locksmithing to supply the best quality of work both for their customers and for themselves. Here are three ways to do just that.
1. Keep Up With Changing Technology
The electronic age has completely changed locksmithing from a mechanical trade to a mix of electronics and mechanics. Security in nearly every area of the locksmith trade, from safe opening to home security, is now a mix of electronic technology and mechanical. The rapid evolution of electronic technology has also kept the locksmith world constantly changing.
Automotive security has changed from simple VATS systems to complex transponder technology in a matter of only a few years. Even residential locks are utilizing electronics with BlueTooth technology keys and key pad entry. Knowing about these new technologies can promote their sales within a locksmith business, and also allow technicians to service new locks on the market. Rather than turning jobs down due to new technology, a person can be on the cutting edge and take jobs other technicians cannot.
2. Research And Train In Unfamiliar Areas Of Locksmithing
Learning about areas of locksmith currently unfamiliar is a great way to open new market areas. A technician can pinpoint these areas by tracking how many jobs are turned down or not sought after due to lack of knowledge and training. Once these areas are pinpointed, they can pick up some training material on the topic. This could increase profits and productivity for any locksmith.
There are a variety of resources available, both free and paid, to learn more about unfamiliar areas of the trade. Websites can also store great free material to be read or viewed in video form. Blogs, journals, and industry websites all have great information available, both to members and non-members. Further, locksmith schools are available, such as Penn-Foster or Foley-Belsaw. These schools offer certified programs for locksmiths of all training levels.
3. Be Clean, Professional, And Timely
Areas that simply cannot be stressed enough are cleanliness, professional work, and timeliness. It is crucial to satisfied customers and a quality reputation. Leaving the job site clean when finished is often not enough. Taking steps above and beyond may be worth doing. This may be bringing shoe covers for in-home work (these are available in a variety of places inexpensively), using a drop cloth for messy jobs like hardware installations, and keeping mobile vehicles clean and tidy.
Professionalism can come in a variety of forms, but language is certainly an area to be remembered. Slang, cursing, and informal speech can turn away the customers locksmiths ought to be searching after. It is important to remember, locksmiths are often working in people’s homes and businesses. Although not the focus of attention, poor language can detract from the environment within the home or business. Timeliness can be a make or break for locksmith companies in competitive market areas. Customers are often on tight schedules and being on time can make up for a multitude of other issues that can arise during a job. Scheduling and arriving on time can put a locksmith business ahead of the competition, even if the level of experience or expertise is less than another locksmith.