New Business Advice.

[colmax21]

Hello,

I am looking at starting up a new key cutting business up here in the North of England and would like to know if there is any one out there that can offer me good advice as to which cutting machines to buy for both the household and the car key side of things, copying, cloning, programing etc.

 

Reading the topics on the forum as far as machines go I think mid range equipment that will last me a good few years would be my preferred buy, training on the machines and key programming will also be required, on site if at all possible, looking for a good quality package really, supply and training.

 

Many Thanks.

 

PS. If I have wrongly encouraged businesses promoting themselves by replying and not been allowed to by the moderators please remove my post and sorry.

[Count Muppet]

Sounds to me like you have no background in this area? (Sorry if I'm wrong, the rest of this post might sound like I'm being an ars£h@le if that's the case)

I know it looks easy but there is genuinely a fair bit of skill that goes into getting keys right. The initial outlay will be huge and not always easy to recover.

Make sure there is need for your services in the area you want to set up and buy the machines according to the local market. For example, it would be a waste of time buying programming kit for renault if everyone locally drives landrovers.

 

If it's because you are out of work and just want to set up a business to get back on your feet, I know of a company desperate for good people who will happily provide free training.

(You don't have to stay forever)

[colmax21]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, yes I am a complete novice and my new venture will run nicely along side my existing business which has frontage galore in the city. I need to get things spot on with regard to which machinery I buy etc, descend quality, ease of use by employees, turning out good keys and giving great service to customers, just like the majority of you guys do I assume.

I just want to buy once with no regrets.

 

Narrowing things down somewhat, Silca 399 evo, Silca Bravo Cylinder, Silca Lancer, then there are the Keyline 993, and the Silka Triax but sound these May be pricey, Cloning wise the TRS 5000.

 

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

[grahamparker]

Your best bet is to try and get yourself a skilled keycutter who knows what they are doing.

 

Customers will not come back if your keys don't work, some will come back and try again others just go somewhere

that can do them and get them right 1st time.

 

If you buy any slica machine you will have no regrets and will be able to sell it on without to much of a loss if your business doesn't take off (you need at least 5 years to get a good name for yourself).

[virginkeys]

hi,

I was in the same situation as you not knowing what machines to buy and suppliers to use. after listening to peoples advice I decided to go with silca although they can sometimes be abit more exspensive but the quality is second to none. the parts are easily available form the silca distributors and probably more suppliers but I only use these for silca parts as they deal direct with manufacturer. also as far as I know both of them offer full training with new machines. I found them really easy to use aswell which always helps.

 

good luck with the new business, hope it goes well.

[colmax21]

Hi,

And which silica do you have now then, did you go mid or top range ?

 

Thanks for advice.

[Aspects]

I don't do auto keys but for household and value for money I can recommend the SKS cyclone.

I have cut literally hundreds of mortice and cylinder keys with mine. Very accurate and never misses a beat. And less than £1k for a dual machine

[virginkeys]

hi,

 

sorry for late reply, busy weekend an all!

I went low end with a record for cylinder and top end for mortice with a lancer. not had a bit of bother with either. was looking at a bravo but the budget said otherwise. I might upgrade in the future see how I get on. like other post said, even second hand machines will sell well if I decide on a new machine.

what you been looking at?

[hibsjo(SCO)]

Silca rekord aint low end!

Ive got one on my van and its never cut a bad key

over engineered this machine

carry on!

[grahamparker]

Delta low/mid end

Rekord mid/high end

Bravo High end

Unocode Expert

[virginkeys]

calm down people, I stand corrected

I was referring to price as there is only a few hundred between them

nor have I had any problems cutting with either machine

[hibsjo(SCO)]

ive got a unocode so i must be an expert

carry on!

[colmax21]

Hi,

We'll I have the following on a piece of paper on my knee,

Lancer, Bravo, Matrix, Viper, Unicode 399, Triax, then a Bianchi 994.

 

Been a complete novice my next thing is to find out which keys the mentioned cut or copy, there are so many different types, then once I have all the info can buy.

 

I would like to really specialise in the auto side of things, cutting, cloning and programming and coding etc so will need the correct machine for this, and then spend a smaller amount on a machine or machines to cut household keys if my auto machine will not cut them.

 

Then I have written down, Truecode, Instacode, and Silica Software...

 

Any guidance appreciated.

Thanks.

[Craig Gardner]

Hi,

We'll I have the following on a piece of paper on my knee,

Lancer, Bravo, Matrix, Viper, Unicode 399, Triax, then a Bianchi 994.

 

Been a complete novice my next thing is to find out which keys the mentioned cut or copy, there are so many different types, then once I have all the info can buy.

 

I would like to really specialise in the auto side of things, cutting, cloning and programming and coding etc so will need the correct machine for this, and then spend a smaller amount on a machine or machines to cut household keys if my auto machine will not cut them.

 

Then I have written down, Truecode, Instacode, and Silica Software...

 

Any guidance appreciated.

Thanks.

If buying a triax no need for a viper or 994 I couldn't live without my triax but a futara would be a excellent cheaper start out machine but it has it's limitations compared to using a 399evo and a triax but a fraction of the cost

[colmax21]

Hi,

Yes I need a cut to code machine, and machine or machines to cut cylinder and mortise and any other machines that cut the type of keys that are the best sellers.

The silica rep is with me next week and hope to have enough guidance by then to place my order.

The Futura keeps been mentioned by a lot of people as a good buy but I keep thinking to stick to proven machines rightly or wrongly.

 

I am going to a Zed Full demonstration day today, a real eye opener to me no doubt.

 

Thanks everyone.

[grahamparker]

The futura is a really good starting machine for your needs and if the trade is good enough once you start you could

soon recoup your investment and upgrade.

 

The Triax and Unocode are superb machines but you really need an established business to even consider buying

these machines to start with.

 

There has been a massive increase in auto locksmiths over the last 5 years alone and a lot that have given up as

they have found it harder to make a living without continued investment. Also the more people doing this job the more prices

are forced down and this is something you should also consider.

 

Do your homework and keep your eye out for second hand kit (there has been a lot for sale recently) as this will be

a better way to get started. But whatever you do DO NOT get tempted into the fake diagnostic machines, they

may seem appealing but you will regret ever purchasing one within a couple of weeks/months when the support and assistance is not there.

[key cabin]

Where about are you in the north of England ?

Maybe a couple of days with me would point you in the correct direction. I cut house and car keys so would be able to show you how to and how not to cut them. I may have a TRS5000 for sale as well as I am looking at upgrading to the new novo.

[Gray]

2 hours ago, oliviawilson said:

My recommendation to you is to start franchise instead of business because business is kind of risky and it will run well or not and franchise is completely risk free you just need to take guidance from franchise consultants and invest a little and you have a good business that is already built.

The question was first asked 9 years ago. I'm sure he has it sorted by now.