I'm exactly the same as you. I don't like to charge when I feel I've not done anything. I had a customer I went out to (luckily in the same town) and I just needed to tighten a screw. I think they ended up giving me a tenner after I wasn't going to charge at all. Sometimes it's fine, but sometimes you'll get the people who will take the mick. I'll continue with no call out fee, but I do need to be a bit less generous with giving my time away for free when its something simple. I need to remind myself they called me out because they couldn't figure out what was wrong.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

This is my favourite answer so far!! Let’s make a pact that we will both start charging £20 just to cover fuel in situations like this?? Deal 🤝😊 Thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

I’m with you I don’t charge call out fee BUT, the minute my tools come out , even if it’s tightening a retaining screw or spraying GT85 then they are getting charged. I always now text half an hour before an appointment to see if they want me to attend

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers bud I just need to become a bit tougher I think and stop doing people favours when it’s costing me money.

As a US based locksmith terms may be different, however I charge a base of $55 for showing up, this is due to vehicle, gas(petrol) and insurance. Beyond that it depends on the job is added on top of that fee. I charge by the 1/4 hr of my $65/hr rate for repairs, but charge flat rates for certain jobs, $10/lock rekey, $25 lock opening, padlock or door locks.

I was a one-man-band repairing Televisions & VCR's in the 1990's. In my area of the UK, one single idiot started advertising "No Call Out Charge" in the late 80's (a new start up to give him/her an initial advantage as a new start up). A fast buck merchant. The damage done by that one person, changed everything. One by one, the others followed suit. Then the starter of the initial "No Call Out Charge" starter went bust. By then, everyone had a "No Call Out Charge" and rest is history....

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

I can only imagine how frustrating that would of been at the time 😐 Thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

Late to the party but yes, call out charge but it gets absolved into the charge for the job, in other words if I do the work there is no call out charge, if I get there and find out “Nan had a key” they pay for my wasted time

I'm a handyman and I don't have a call-out charge as I don't do emergency work, but I do have a minimum charge which covers the first hour that I'm there, and it's 50% above my hourly rate. I charge that to cover the cost of getting to the job and the fuel, wear and tear etc.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate. Considering my options moving forward 😊

Yes Andy........ told you i would be tuning in..... Callout Fee......As a Plumber ive always had a call out fee, our time isn't free mate. A wise man once said to me "If your good at something.....never do it for free" However there is always times where i myself have said to some old dear or old fella, "Dont worry about it"....... but imho.....Get yourself a call out fee, if anything to cover the fuel

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks bud. I’m considering a small charge for situations like this, like you say to cover the fuel Happy New Year mate and Congrats again on the 10k subs 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Most deffiantly you need to charge a call out fee. To many people will call and have you come out and then waste your time when they decide to change their minds or find someone "Cheaper". Not only did they just waste your time, but also gas and milage to your vehicle and loose a potential "Paying" customer since your already tied up. I personally will charge a call out fee and make it known up front and then if they decide to use your service waive that fee. This way you will weed out the "time wasters" and then your customers will feel grateful you waive the fee for them. Its a win win.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Perfect idea!! I think this is going to be what I do moving forward into the New Year!!! Happy New Year to you and thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

Personally I would always charge minimum 1 hr labour charge to cover your time etc. We had a local old chap that used to call us out, problem with yale and would always say oh while your here can you change this light bulb for me, he relied on the fact that, there was nothing wrong with the lock and out of kindness we would change light bulb for him, I only sussed it out after speaking to other local lockies and 3 others had been out over the years, no lock fault, just light bulb change !!! As soon as we started charging he stopped calling!!!

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Omg!!! The cheeky old guy 😂😂

@roysammons2445

2 жыл бұрын

The light dawns 💡🤣 He might be old but he still had his head screwed on the right way.

Wear and tear on the vehicle, fuel is now really expensive too if you did that every day you would be well out of pocket . I try to deal with as much as I can on the phone without driving distances and I don’t charge for call outs but have charged an hour rate when messed about

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Colin 😊🙏🏼

Having my own business for 20 years I understand the dilemma, but I at least charge for the fuel and time. Even if it’s only £20

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

I think this is the way forward Thanks for watching

I had an example where I attended, diagnosed and told them what needed doing. They changed their mind, presumably to shop around or Google it themselves. Learning curve for me that one

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

So they were just after a quote 🙄 I had this as well Ryan!!! Thanks for watching mate 😊🙏🏼

Hi, Just recently subscribed to your channel, catching a few videos, all great content, as with charging for callouts i don't. It comes down to being helpful and honest, cause at the end of the day its word of mouth that gets the next job. All the best.🙂

@brighton_locksmith

Жыл бұрын

Hi Michael. Welcome along to the channel and thank you for subscribing 😁 Agreed mate, I still don’t and wouldn’t charge 👍🏼

Hi Andy, just found your channel, great content, I’ve been a trading locksmith for over 10 years, though only 18 months in the UK (previously I lived and worked in Marbella, southern Spain) learning every day, keep the videos coming, new sub. All the best for 2022.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Ah thanks for subbing mate. How does locksmithing compare here to Spain? Is there much difference? Thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

@mrlocksmith2479

2 жыл бұрын

@@brighton_locksmith A lot of differences buddy, 50% of my work was lockouts, mainly slips with the mica card, 95% of locks were euro cylinders, hardly any mortise locks. The multipoints are very robust, little failures (apart from break-ins) always replacing the entire assy no gearboxes (although I did strip them down to replace parts) No UPVC mainly wooden or steel doors, oh, and of course, its fucking freezing here! do miss that (Although, no fun working in 40 degrees!!)

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

@@mrlocksmith2479 I can’t imagine trying to work in 40 degrees! That must of been tough! Although like you say it is freezing here sometimes which also isn’t pleasant!!

I dont charge call out but have minimum fee for simple jobs like a door hinge adjustment etc

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I have a minimum fee too!! I think we have to do that 👍🏼 Thanks for watching John 😊🙏🏼

Hi Andy- Happy New Year! Most Locksmith's I know in the States charge a service call fee. I keep my local fee low but charge more the farther I drive and yes, this includes just lubing a lock. When it comes to residential and commercial work the service call fee should always be expected by the customer, but I do have a different approach with automotive. Auto shops pay a service call. Individuals that are more than 45 min away I charge for the drive. Typically, around $50.00. This is to be paid whether I am successful or not. Automotive locally, I only charge if I am successful. I don't charge for bad news. Stay safe my Friend!

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Nice one, thanks Gerald. Happy New Year to you too 😊

Hi a very good valid point!. I tend not to take jobs third party, ie, the person wanting the job done to call or speak to me. That saves any misunderstandings and to be honest mate, even if its just a spray of GT85, its your very expensive petrol needed to get there as well as your time...The same with estate agents, so many times i have a call from one to change a lock/adjust a lock etc...if its for them, then i want a works order, if they are doing on behalf of a client, then the client has to book the job...so many times i got caught out and waited months to get paid because the "clients abroad"...then it ends up with bad feeling between you and the agent and you are made to feel a nuisance, so thats my tip for what its worth!

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

A very good tip indeed mate, thank you 😊

Happy New Year mate. On my other business as car mechanic technician years ago I use to charge a call out min fee as you need to cover your time I think. Maybe the first hour of your time I don’t know how much locksmiths charge. Good videos mate 😄👍🏻

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Happy New Year to you too Jason. Yeah I’m thinking a small charge to cover situations like today. Thanks for watching bud

I never used to charge a call out fee but I used to charge travel time to cover the fuel if any job was outside of the metropolitan area. So that would be half hour or more away. Being that I didn't charge people for going to their place to do a quote and didn't charge for the time and running around it took to buy materials needed to do the job. Carpentry was a but different as they weren't emergency calls they were appointments. Considering that this was an appointment that others had made on behalf of another person who hadn't given them that permission to book in a locksmith and to spend their money, It is a dodgy area. Considering it was an hour round trip for you, that's a lot of driving time, I would be considering including a booking fee for these appointments and say to the customer that if the job goes ahead on the time and day booked then that booking fee comes off the top of the bill, so it ends up not being charged but if there is a change when you get to the job then the booking fee comes into effect and they need to pay it. Appointments booked structure your day and emergency jobs get fitted in around them so if an appointment is canceled when you get to a job without 24hrs or 48 hours or more notice, well someone else could have had that appointment. Which means you have lost out on work. So you could put in a time clause like that. However if one of your biggest marketing hooks that makes you stand out and be different to the other locksmiths around you is no call out fee, and it is working for you then stick with it. With jobs like you just had when they ring you again after already canceling once then you could say to them they now incur a booking fee that must be paid, cheers

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks PW. A booking fee that comes off when the job is complete could be a good way of not loosing out 👍🏼

@PocketWomen

2 жыл бұрын

@@brighton_locksmith I found it worked out to be a good compromise. I only used it with clients that I had been having trouble with cancelling all the time, cheers

I charge 1 hour labour. No callout fee. Even Christmas time. If it goes over the hour. Then it's a second hour labour.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a fair way of doing things 👍🏼 Thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

I’m a Locksmith in the USA. Remember you have spent a lot of time and money on training, inventory, insurance, and buying a van to provide your services to the public..,,. We get paid for what we know and do on a job… So if you can fix there problems, you get paid !!!!!! I charge no less then $65 / $75 for travel fee… I you get your car unlocked before I get there I am still charging you a travel fee because I had to travel to your location…. You can cut them a break like $55 if you want but get something for your time… Cheers Mate

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

I completely understand your reasons buddy. Thanks for watching 🙏🏼😊

The reality is we locksmiths should charge for a situation like this because they called and scheduled an appointment. Appointment change our day completely. Because we have to work around the appointment. I would’ve charged them. I charge $45 to come out and up

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

You’re right, we should charge. I just don’t know if I can lol! Thanks for watching 👍🏼

It's all overhead, so yeah, I charge at least a minimum. As long as you let them know in advance (as others have mentioned re: booking fee), then it's on the customer to decide whether to hire your services or not. If you do a lockout, do you not charge? How is that any different from a shot of lubricant? Sometimes the job just goes fast. But the customer still agreed to the minimum charge either way. Maybe add something of value to the situation, that doesn't cost you much so you and the customer both get more out of it. Check if the hinges need adjustment. Or offer a 10% off coupon for the next call. Or do a quick security survey since you're there. It just seems like it's the feeling of not providing enough value for the cost of the call, which I totally understand. As long as you make it a win/win for both of you, then there is a good exchange of value and everyone is happy. :)

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

This is a great reply!! I need to start making the customer aware that if they’ve booked me in prior, and then I turn up and they no longer need me that there will still be a minimum charge!! New Year, New Charges I think 😊 Happy New Year and thanks for watching 🙏🏼

I have a similar model to you but if in the case of freeing the lock if the costumer comes across ok I just charge for fuel and there usually over the moon as we’re expecting a lot more

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah that’s fair I think! I just need to get into that mentality! Just this morning I’ve been to a job with an apparent faulty lock, and not charged as there was nothing to do!!! Thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

@andyh9464

2 жыл бұрын

@@brighton_locksmith yes it’s tool me some time and I still end up doing it myself I get called mr softy

Call out fee if I go out to a job, wear and tear, fuel and time all cost money, I do electronic Security and l am just getting into locksmith work as a side line but gradually doing more and more as I get towards retirement age. I am not charging for locksmith work atm because I am not confident enough to say I can open every lock in existence NDE. But give it a year and I will charge a call out. I have noticed Fortress locksmith have commented lol, I am just about to watch his vid about opening the 3g110 now the GJ decoder is here and my test lock.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Nice one mate. Not a much better feeling when you open your first lock on a job. Seth of Fortress Locksmiths is the man mate! There’s not much that boy can’t do!! And the same goes for the GJ tools mate! Awesome stuff. Thanks for watching and Happy New Year 😊

@matthewrichards552

2 жыл бұрын

Happy new year to you to, Seth is the man and I like the way he explains the job and what to look and listen for. I like your vids when you show what your doing, just to show the start and finish is not good but I know it is hard to set up and film in someone's house just incase you compromise there property.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

@@matthewrichards552 Yes exactly! I am very conscious of compromising any customers security which is why I have to be careful 👍🏼 Frustrating I know but better to be safe 😀

You could try it out mate with the odd jobs and see how people react ie if it's like £20 then I think most people would understand and if it dosnt work or is more trouble than it's worth then just scrap it👍

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Yes mate. Good idea 👍🏼 Thanks bud

I’ve started charging a call out fee just to cover my fuel if anything been caught a few times with people changing there minds when I’ve arrived at the call out for some reason or another Happy New Year

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Happy New Year to you too Neil. I’m considering my options at the moment 👍🏼 Thanks for watching mate 🙏🏼

Hi m8 , personality I don’t have a call out fee , I charge a certain amount for the 1st hrs work and the parts , and generally most simple jobs are completed in that 1st hr anyways, I’m not bothering about a extra 10, 15 mins work , also the fact I’m not asking for money before I’ve touched anything means I can pass on those nightmare jobs that we all get every now and then, the friends had a go and made it 10x worse or someone’s took the lock to bits and it’s in a tub or 3 other lockies have tried to fix it before ext But I do get your point about wasting our time , I try to limit any issues by getting as much information from the customers explaining a minimum price if possible without seeing the job and 99% of the time it’s working All the best 👍

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Mark. All very helpful buddy. Thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

if its 1/2hr drive there and back from town charge a service fee, travel free, trip fee what ever you want to call it. If its a large job that you will make a lot on maybe wave the trip fee.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. And thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

i do not charge a call out fee. My business model works around no after hours fee and no call out fee. However, I only do it at night which is my regular hours.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I’m with you. I’ve always based my business on a no call out charge! I do however charge extra for any jobs between 7pm and 7am Thanks for watching 🙏🏼

If it's a OAP then I wouldn't charge a call out if they look like they are struggling financially and would just charge them for any parts at cost to me , if it was a young upwardly mobile type then they would get charged a minimum 1hr lab if it's just a tweak or lube job , you can always get the feel of the person your dealing with to make the decision....hope this makes sense......👍 Great channel by the way

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

All makes sense 👍🏼 Thank you and thanks for watching 😊👍🏼🙏🏼

i dun charge a call out some times you gotta take it on the chin, think it's just like you said a grey area if you charge for doing nothing then customers wont refer you

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

I know where you’re coming from!! Referrals are a big chunk of where I get work from!!

I worked as a locksmith for 20 plus years before we moved to another state. But I was like you I hated to charge if I didn't do anything except lubing a lock or tighten a screw. But some people brought their attitudes with them and they got charged the service call at least, sometimes more depended on how bad their attitude was.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. I’m working on this!!! Thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

Hi, really enjoying your channel (especially the hoovering 😁) I would state a minimum fee that is waived if the job goes ahead. If there was nothing wrong or just a lube, etc - then it’s £30 or whatever. If there is a proper job then the £30 is dropped and just revert back to your normal job charge. It’s obviously best if they are ware of this to begin with. Just my thoughts.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Max. Yes that makes sense. Glad you’re enjoying the hoovering 😊 I love my Makita vacuum 😁 Thanks for watching buddy 😊🙏🏼

Diesel is not free mate gotta charge at least a drink for it

@brighton_locksmith

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I know mate!!! I’m still the same though 😂

I'm the same again but I will charge a 'minimum labour charge' even for a spray of lubricant or tightening a screw. To make things more palatable, I'll adjust doors or tighten screws etc. Worst thing is, getting called to a lockout only for the customer to cancel ten minutes away from arrival !! 🤬

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I’ve had that happen a few times as well Stevey!! So frustrating! Especially when it happens late in the evening 😠 Thanks for watching buddy 😊🙏🏼

As far as i'm concerned you call me out , you pay my callout fee , price will be agreed in advance with NO hidden extra labour ( If i quote £75.00 callout + any parts at RRP thats what i expect to be paid ) If it takes me 2 hours to do a 15 minute job thats my problem.. however when it comes to elderly , vulnerable or a simple job of turned curtain i will heavily discount the job to cover my time if i know the customer could not afford the price in the 1st place... Been in this game 35 years + my skin has grown thicker over years .. I know the £29 locksmith will give them a bill of £400 and laugh all the way to the bank

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed mate 👍🏼 Thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

Charge them mate.your not in business to Make friends.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate. And thank you for watching 😊

I was about to unsub, when you said using WD40 around locks.

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Hahahaha Well I’m glad I corrected myself 😂 Thanks for watching 😊

I’m the same as you mate too soft that’s why I’m skint😂

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Haha exactly mate 😂

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve just done it again Steve!! Just went to a job to fit a new nightlatch. Door was hanging off (I sorted that out for free) and she wanted 2 extra keys cut but could only afford 1 (I cut her 2 and charged her for 1) 😂😂😂 Never gonna be rich 😂

@stevepenfold1042

2 жыл бұрын

@@brighton_locksmith 😂😂I know where a good soup kitchen is mate happy new year to you and the family keep busy mate

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

@@stevepenfold1042 😂😂😂😂 My partner used to work for the homeless team in Brighton!! I’ve already started to sound her out for places to stay 😂😂 Happy New Year mate. Thanks for your support 🙏🏼

Here is an interesting video for service-based businesses like yours and it goes into detail about working out what you should be charging for your services. kzread.info/dash/bejne/hJuhrcuJpLe1prA.html

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Simon. I will take a look 👍🏼

The evil arch conservative shouted you out so maybe thats why the uptick on subs!

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

Oh wow!! I didn’t know that!!!! I’ll go and take a look at their channel. Thanks for the heads up and thanks for watching 😊🙏🏼

@qutube100

2 жыл бұрын

@@brighton_locksmith Apologies its was pocket woman Episode 156: Lockswood Ltd-Andy Perrin #ShoutOutMonday Series but eac is cool tooo 😋

@brighton_locksmith

2 жыл бұрын

@@qutube100 Ah yes!! I saw this one 😊 Thank you 🙏🏼