It was great to chat with Sam Gregory of Prime Locksmiths, based in Sheffield. He explained how serving the local area allows him to provide a fast, reliable service at a competitive price – something the big national call centre companies simply can’t match. Looking back, locksmithing was always “on the cards” for Sam. His secret to success? Leaving every customer satisfied and replacing any spilt milk.
My Journey into Locksmithing
Before becoming a locksmith, I worked as a curtain wall fitter for a company in Sheffield called Clearline, travelling all over the UK for jobs. After years in that industry, I took a break to travel, spending time in Thailand with family. When I returned, I was keen to try something new, so I worked with my brother restoring classic cars. It wasn’t planned, but I ended up staying for four years and really enjoyed it while it lasted.
However, things changed when the business was taken over. The new owner wasn’t hands-on, and the workload became overwhelming. At the same time, the classic car scene was declining, and both my brother and I were made redundant. Luckily, I had already completed my locksmith training, and with my experience in doors and windows, I decided to give it a real shot. Looking back, the signs were always there – when I was a child, my dad worked in a scrapyard and would bring home old car keys, which fascinated me. Years later, my cousin had a break-in, and I happened to have the perfect spare door handle in my garage. Everything just clicked.
My USPs
Unlike larger national firms, I don’t charge a call-out fee, and there’s no VAT to pay because I’m not VAT-registered, which saves my customers 20% right away. I operate 24/7, so whether it’s an emergency or a scheduled appointment, I’m always here to help.
Getting Training & Starting Out as a Locksmith
I did my locksmith training in Manchester and, once I had learned the ropes, I started taking-on small jobs. The physical side such as fixing doors and lock mechanisms wasn’t an issue for me, but lock picking and marketing were completely new to me. Getting work at first was a challenge, which made me doubt whether this was the right path. But I stuck with it, and over time, things started to flow. Now, three years in, I still have quiet weeks, but then mad weeks where I can’t get to every job. Locksmithing is a business of ups and downs – you take the rough with the smooth.
One of the biggest challenges is being on call 24/7. It’s Sod’s Law when you’ve had a quiet day and you’re about to go to bed your phone will ring with an emergency! When someone needs your help, you just can’t turn them away, you feel duty-bound to help and you need to make a living. It’s all part of the game.
Funny Moments: Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk
One of the funniest moments happened when my girlfriend tagged along on a job. She works in retail, so we rarely get midweek days off together. We were heading to Matlock for a mini break, but I had a quick morning job on the way. It was supposed to be a simple cylinder change, but it turned into a bigger job. As I was leaving, I accidentally tripped over the customer’s dog and kicked over several glass bottles of milk on the doorstep! My girlfriend was giggling, and I was trying to hold in my laughter while cleaning up the mess. The customer was very understanding, and I bought her some fresh milk as an apology.
Why I Love Locksmithing
There’s a lot to love about locksmithing, but I have a real soft spot for helping elderly customers. A little while ago, I got a call from a couple in their 80s who thought their doors (front and back) were completely broken. Over the phone, I had a feeling it was just an adjustment issue. When I arrived, I confirmed both doors just needed minor tweaks. The lady was overjoyed when she could lift the door handle with just one finger. She even gave me a hug, grateful that the job wasn’t as expensive as she feared. Moments like that make the job rewarding.
Unfortunately, I’ve also seen customers get ripped off by handymen or unqualified locksmiths. When I come across bad work, I fix it properly, and if someone has already overpaid for shoddy work, I offer a discount to help make up for it. I always provide a price estimate before arriving, so customers feel comfortable and know what to expect. I get satisfaction out of saving customers money if I’m able to.
Work Ethic & Business Approach
I’ve built my reputation through word of mouth. If a customer tells me I was recommended, I always offer a small discount. After every job, I send a link asking for a review, and I leave extra business cards so they can pass them on to friends and family. To date, I have over 155 five-star reviews.
My Advice for New Locksmiths?
Don’t try to go it alone. Take an accredited training course, either through the MLA or a reputable independent trainer.
Don’t blow your budget on the most expensive tools and van from day one. Instead, focus on getting a good website, SEO, and advertising. Always be polite, transparent about pricing, and leave every customer happy. If you do that consistently, word-of-mouth referrals will start rolling in.
Lock Preferences & Security Trends
For basic cylinder replacements, I use Versa and Ultion 1-star. For upgrades or burglary repairs, I use 3-star locks with Ultion Sweet handles or Ultion Lock Lock handles with a double locking system. I used to stock multiple brands, but I found that most larger locksmith companies around here use Ultion, and I’ve never had one fail. I even have them on my own house. Sticking to one brand reduces stock holding and keeps things simple.
Unfortunately, I’ve seen some advanced attack methods in recent burglary cases. One common tactic is using a blowtorch to burn holes in the uPVC to make it more accessible for the mole grips and to get further into the door. That’s why I always recommend high security locks and handles for added protection. Other burglars pry open windows or smash patio doors with non-toughened glass to gain access.
My Future Plans & Final Thoughts
For now, I’m happy with a steady pace of work, but my brother, Joe Gregory, has recently started as a full-time auto locksmith and is off to a flying start. With his background in car mechanics and electrics, he’s found his niche. I might join him on the auto side in the future – where there’s less competition, but the startup costs are significantly higher.
Being a locksmith isn’t always easy, especially in emergency situations. When someone is locked out in the cold, they just want to get back in as quickly as possible, and they’re not always pleased about having to pay. Over time, I’ve learned to handle the pressure. When I was new, I felt nervous working under the watchful eyes of customers, but now it’s second nature. The more experience you gain, the more confident you become.
If I had to sum it up, I’d say locksmithing is a rewarding trade full of ups and downs. It takes consistency, persistence, and a solid reputation to succeed. I’m proud of what I’ve built and look forward to many more years of locksmithing.
info@primelocksmiths.co.uk
07842 685254
www.primelocksmiths.co.uk