Should I??

[Guest lockandkeycentre]

Hi All

 

This is a difficult one so be prepared

 

We have recently opened a Locksmiths in West Wickham in Kent, although we have been locksmiths for 8 years the shop has only been open for 6 months. Now, for some reason we get at least 3-5 people a day asking us if we do shoe repairs, now this is what i'm thinking, there's obviously a demand for it and people generally associate keys with shoes now i know NOTHING at all about shoe repairing, so here are the questions!

 

1. Should i invest in the equipment needed and hire a shoe repairer that knows what he's doing?

 

2. Should i rent the space to a shoe repairer that has his own equipment (it's a big shop!) just charge rent and the rest of it is theirs?

 

3. go on some sort of course (if there is one-help me out fellas!) and learn the trade, i understand this is a trade that takes a long time to learn so this may not be an option.

 

Your thoughts/suggestions are appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

John

[kev]

This is a really good post. I look forward to reading the replies. Although knowing nothing about shoe repairs, I can suggest you get a computerised engraving machine and use the space to make signs, engrave trophies etc.

Its really refreshing to see a locksmith becoming interested in the shoe repair side of things, as its normally the other way round! Good Luck!

[Hugh-Candoit (ENG)]

My advice would be to install engraving as has been mentioned, then rent the remaining space on a franchise type situation to a qualified repairer, or just rent the space. Problem my be in the initial set up as it could be quite expencive. Employing someone is loaded with high risk situations.

[ironplanet uk900]

 

1. Should i invest in the equipment needed and hire a shoe repairer that knows what he's doing?

 

Do you think you can generate £1k per week, If so you may be able to pull it off, A good repairer will cost you, and a bad repairer will cost you more

 

 

2. Should i rent the space to a shoe repairer that has his own equipment (it's a big shop!) just charge rent and the rest of it is theirs?

 

This sounds easier than it would be. If some-one has the equiptment required, why would they want to rent a space in your shop were they will be restricted to the services they can offer because of your locksmithing business. Not many repairers could servive today on repairs alone. Unless you are in a very prime position, which I doubt.

 

3. go on some sort of course (if there is one-help me out fellas!) and learn the trade, i understand this is a trade that takes a long time to learn so this may not be an option.

 

I wouldn't bother unless you are deadly serious, It would take a long time to become a competant repairer, and then you would be tied to the shop. and not have the freedom a locksmith needs.

 

If I were you, I'd get myself a good local repairer to take on your repairs. Advertise the fact that you are taking in repairs, and tell your customers that you will be doing them inhouse if all goes well.

You should be able to ask for 25-30% commission

[petercoulson]

UK900 has good ideas here, i would definitely recommend setting up a local to do the shoes, see how much you start doing then take it from there. I think you may find first class in the Orpington area useful for this and not far from you.

[keithm]

I fully concur with PC and UK.

 

I know this area very well as I used to have a shop in Hayes, which is down the road. There have been a few repairers in West Wickham over the years, Frank Scrivener being one of them. However, with Bromley not far away and attracting many of the shoppers, it will be difficult.

 

Try the 'First Class Shoe Repairs' route first and see how you get on. They are good guy's and know their stuff and I'm sure will be more than willing to help you. Ask for Trevor or Paul.

 

If you need their details, PM me.

 

Keith

[Guest lockandkeycentre]

I agree with what you've all said in different ways, i have been over to the local shoe repairers in Hayes and done a deal with him!, i think that's the best way really, then there's no financial outlay for me and if it really takes off i may reconsider!! i am now a shoe repair and engraving collection/drop off point.

 

Thank you all

[Hugh-Candoit (ENG)]

Now that's what the forum is all about, giving a range of ideas for the user to pick from.

 

Perhaps the contractors will now join the site.

[keithm]

Ah, so you'll be dealing with my old friend Perry, give him my regards

 

Keith

[Guest lockandkeycentre]

Oh Yes He's a Nice Guy, let's hope we can do some business, i'll say hi from you.

 

[Guest downsarf]

Just to add paul and martin at first class shoe repairs in st pauls cray are another option if it doesn't work out. I worked with paul for years before becoming a lockie.They do collections all over london so west wickham isnt far.