Retail of padlocks, locks etc

[Paul_]

I've got a bit of spare space above my key boards that I am thinking with filling with padlocks, locks etc.

 

My question is am I wasting my time? I've got a bit of knowledge on the sale of these as I worked for many years as a rep for Colledges and I know lots of cobblers tried to sell these items but very few were really successful.

 

I'm considering it as I went to my only competitor this week (a hardware store) and while there noticed their once large display of locks etc was very depleted. Now was this because they are a waste of time for them or just bad shop management.

 

My theory is that for an outlay of say £200, I could have a tidy small display of padlocks (already got a few), cylinder replacement, mortise locks, cam locks and maybe even cash boxes and key cabinets.....or is even this a waste of £200?

 

Thanks, Paul

[Mick Friend]

Go ABUS they can sort it good product well known name and relaible stock

[Mike at Vauxhall]

I'm a commuter shop not on the high street, so my customers might want different than yours. But I've always done fairly well on padlocks. Recently expanding the range slightly more up market/higher security. I've always felt due to large range of locks you would have to dedicate a whole section of a wall to them, and would end up carry a lot of "dead "weight. Only exception would be some yale type cylinders, ( that you would not be able to compete with B & Q anywhere near on price)

[grahamparker]

Start with a good quality budget range Tricircle is a good starting point although they don't do blister packs only boxed versions. If they sell we'll then go for Abus as Mick says. I sell over 6000 padlocks a year and none through websites. There is a huge market BUT there is a lot of competition especially from the internet. £200 is roughly what I spend a day on average over a year on padlocks alone.

[Paul_]

In my head I was thinking of Sterling, simply because of the attractive packaging which might catch my customers eyes??

[Michael]

I use SKS Maxus and Abus 64Ti titalium from Aldridges.

In my head I had Maxus as my budget range but just realised I've retailed them at pretty much the same as the Abus!!

[cobbcas]

Davenports had a good offer on not sure if it's still running!

[NYKeys]

Tricircle is a good starting point although they don't do blister packs only boxed versions. 

We get Tricircle vacuum packed via MP Smith (Securit).They're actually crap, but unfortunately that's all some people want.

 

£200 is roughly what I spend a day on average over a year on padlocks alone.

 

You buy £200 worth of padlocks a day (trade prices)? WOW! Good going!

[grahamparker]

yep sure do over £50,000 a year just on padlocks. I have been doing this job for over 35 years so I have learned a lot.

[Cjm]

Start with a good quality budget range Tricircle is a good starting point although they don't do blister packs only boxed versions. 

 

We do stock the Tri-Circle Padlocks carded, in the following sizes: 20MM, 25MM, 32MM, 38MM, 50MM & 63MM.

[x minit uk]

Birch were doing a good little deal a month or so ago which included a neat little stand.

[Mike at Vauxhall]

The original post mentioned cash boxes. Tried them a good few years ago. Take up space, not a large profit margin, slow turnover. But at least they are stackable.

[grahamparker]

Don't bother with cash tins or key cabinets. A quick look at Amazon will tell you why.

 

I have 6 cach tins in stock and they have been there for ages, i will sell them at cost to get rid.

[Paul_]

I have made the decision to continue to stock my budget range of padlocks and add a range of better quality ones too. I am thinking Squire and it's a known brand to the customer and eye catching packaging but will do more research.

 

Not going to bother with locks, cash boxes or key cabinets though.

 

Thanks for all your help and comments.

 

Paul

[grahamparker]

Squire are good but i get a hell of a lot of reutrns in the combination range.

 

I get told they have fixed the problem but i still keep getting a lot of returns.

[meatball]

Ive stocked maxus locks and i find they look good, display wise, and decent turnover too.

[NYKeys]

Ive stocked maxus locks and i find they look good, display wise, and decent turnover too.

 

Maxus is SKS own brand isn't it?

[meatball]

Yeah they are, but blister packing looks good, and i also have 2 of there display boards also, just makes display look good, and proffesional