Durban Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 Hi all, just started in this industry, just taken over half of the family shoe repair business thats been running for 31 years, we specialise in riding boot repairs, motorbike suit repairs, but i'm realising that key cutting is where the quick money is, we have 2 machines and 7 boards, no electronic key cutting. Would people recommend getting an opika type identification machine? Should we get into chipped car keys? Nearest cutter is 5 miles away What type of costs are involved in starting up engraving to run a basic service just to get into it? Are there any training manuals or books for key cutting. Is there any point doing a locksmith course to really understand what I'm doing? Ive looked into it and it seems a crazy price to learn not very much at all, Cant imagine ill bother. Whats is the best key cross reference software and where should i get it? And i've noticed that ASDA have an automatic key cutting machine, doing keys for £3.75, if they put one in my local store i can imagine most of our trade will disappear, should i be worried?? Cheers all Durb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 With respect Durban, most of what you're asking could be answered by going on one of those 'expensive' courses. You should never underestimate the value of quality training, especially when you consider the potential profits involved. Too many people go into key cutting not knowing enough and all they achieve is a lowering of quality of the service. My advice would be to ask the members here on what is the best course so you can get the best out of it, rather than knock the price Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 when I started this shop, I had only ever cut a mortice key, now I do just about every across the counter key & have 7 machines. I have gradually built up my collection & skills. Sure this isn't the fastest return on investment as it has taken years, rather than a course length to build my knowledge & compared to the likes of Terry (tel200) I have a long way to go, but its horses for courses. I wish you well Durban, however your post has a lot of questions, you will get the answers here, but I would recommend talking to your wholesalers rep who will know your business & be able to advice on the best machine to suit your capabilities. I have brought several machines on face value from the advice I have received from my rep from Davenports & have never regretted buying any off them. As for Asda, this is a topic we have covered in the past, do a search for B&Q it makes for interesting reading, draw your own conclusions! Welcome to the forum! Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny King Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 Lee you have seen a rep from Davernports? They are rare beasts, Think I have seen one in about 5 years Danny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Growster Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 Too many questions for me to post a comprehensive reply. Thus I'll pick and choose: I would not get the reader. Experience will come to you, and, of course, www.shoerepairer.info is altogether probably a lot more knowledgeable than any reader. Good luck and great commercial success to you, Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Cjm Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 Sorry this is the case Danny. I have passed your details on to our representative for your area. I'm sure he will be in touch in due course. Lee you have seen a rep from Davernports? They are rare beasts, Think I have seen one in about 5 years Danny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Davenport Posted September 5, 2008 Report Share Posted September 5, 2008 Hi Durban. Try giving our sales office a call on 01902 366448. Our knowledgeable Sales/Service Team are available from 9am - 5pm (12.30-1.30 lunch break) Monday - Friday. Please feel free to run through any questions you may have with them. All the best Andy Davenport Davenport-Burgess www.davenport-burgess.com Davenport House 47 Wednesfield Road Willenhall West Midlands WV13 1AL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Technical Tony original Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 Hi all, just started in this industry, just taken over half of the family shoe repair business thats been running for 31 years, we specialise in riding boot repairs, motorbike suit repairs, but i'm realising that key cutting is where the quick money is, we have 2 machines and 7 boards, no electronic key cutting. Would people recommend getting an opika type identification machine? Should we get into chipped car keys? Nearest cutter is 5 miles away What type of costs are involved in starting up engraving to run a basic service just to get into it? Are there any training manuals or books for key cutting. Is there any point doing a locksmith course to really understand what I'm doing? Ive looked into it and it seems a crazy price to learn not very much at all, Cant imagine ill bother. Whats is the best key cross reference software and where should i get it? And i've noticed that ASDA have an automatic key cutting machine, doing keys for £3.75, if they put one in my local store i can imagine most of our trade will disappear, should i be worried?? Cheers all Durb HI - Same as Davenport here - If you need any further help - it would be alot easier to chat over the phone rather than Type on here for ages explaing all the reasons why or why not to do this or that ! Please feel free to call us office hours - Mon to Friday ... if you wanted further help after taking to anyone else - Hope we can also help - 01442 291400 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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