Menu

Call MPL today on 01924 693 293 to kick start your new career

Close-Up Of Lock Picking

A Quick Guide to Locksmith Prices

Posted on : September 28, 2018

Pursuing a career as a locksmith can provide you with years of earnings and a stable job for the foreseeable future. Locksmiths provide a specialism that is often required on a day to day basis and as we look to the future, the profession will continue to be in demand even as security technology changes.

The earnings you will receive as a locksmith will depend on a number of factors. For example, if you end up working for a company, it’s likely that you will be given a salary, whereas if you choose to head down the self-employment route, your earnings will be taken from some of what you charge for your services.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about locksmith prices and what you could earn as a self-employed professional in the field. The guide should give you a better understanding of what to expect from your locksmithing profession as well as what factors affect the cost of a locksmith service.

How are locksmith prices calculated?

The types of jobs you may be called out for can differ quite dramatically. Your day might begin with a simple single lock replacement, whereas you might spend your afternoon changing the locks on every single window and door of a property. As such, the cost of a locksmith service is typically calculated by the size of the job and the time it will take to complete, as well as the cost of any tools or equipment needed for it.

Many locksmiths also charge a standard call out charge of between £50 and £90, which makes up for the travel costs associated with driving to and from different jobs, or higher call out charges for when they are called outside of their normal working hours.

How much does a locksmith typically charge?

The cost of your services will usually differ depending on the type of job you are carrying out. Below are some of the standard jobs you will be called out for as a locksmith, as well as the current average costings for each of these jobs.

  • Changing the locks on a new property – a locksmith can charge £350 if the customer requires you to change the locks on multiple doors and windows at the property
  • Emergency boarding up – depending on the amount of damage which needs to be boarded up, a locksmith could charge anything from £75-£200 as standard
  • Euro cylinder replacement – the starting cost for this type of replacement (single lock replacement) is estimated at around £45
  • Mortice lock replacement – the starting cost for this type of replacement (single lock replacement) is estimated at around £45
  • Removal of a broken key – without removing the cylinder, locksmiths charge around £80-£100 for this service
  • Replacement of an anti-snap euro cylinder lock for a upvc door – the average charge for this particular service is between £125-£170
  • Replacement of a budget euro cylinder lock for a upvc door – the average charge for this particular service is between £100-£150

What factors could affect the costs of your services?

Asides from the time and effort that it would take to complete a locksmith job, there are other factors to think about when setting your standard prices. These factors are particularly important to consider when starting out as a locksmith and as you progress as a professional, in order to make the most of your earnings and to make sure you’re not underselling your services.

Location

The whereabouts of your locksmithing business and where you choose to offer your services will impact the amount you should charge.

If you live in a city, chances are your living costs will be much more costly than those living in suburban or countryside areas, so this could cause your service costs to be higher. Alternatively, those living in the countryside may be required to travel further from one job to another, adding to the cost of fuel and other travel expenses, so this is something which may need to reflected in your costs and earnings.

Another way in which location may affect the cost of your locksmithing services is the level of competition around your area and how much they typically charge. You will want to make sure you are offering a competitive price for your services, without underselling yourself and affecting your earnings at the same time.

Particular skills and expertise

The level of expertise you have as well as any unique skills you possess can also impact your costs. For example, if you develop an expertise in auto locksmithing, or for a particular type of traditional locksmithing, you may be able to charge higher prices for your services, as customers will trust your expertise and will be happy to pay for a job well done.

Out of hours

Whether or not you choose to offer out of hours services is entirely up to you, but those locksmiths that do will typically charge a higher price for the inconvenience to them. Customers will be happy to pay an additional cost during unsociable hours, if it means their security issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

As it stands, locksmiths typically charge an average of £75 to £100 for an out of hours call out charge, with additional costs for time, labour and tools added on top.

Recommendations & reviews

As your career as a locksmith progresses, it’s likely that you will receive a number of recommendations or reviews from previous customers, if you have provided a high-quality service to them. These recommendations act as a seal of approval and will promote your skills and expertise to potential new customers. The more recommendations and reviews you receive, the easier it will be to increase your service costs, which customers will agree to paying due to your quality seal of approval.

There’s plenty to think about when it comes to developing the prices for your locksmithing services, but with this guide, you should be able to get set up and running in no time at all. It’s important to remember that these averages will likely change in the near future, as the economy changes along with the cost of living, too. Make sure to keep up to date with any changes to these factors and alter your prices accordingly, so you can continue running a fruitful locksmithing business in the years to come.

MPL TRUSTED BY THE UK'S EMERGENCY SERVICES, COUNCILS, HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS AND LEADING UTILITY COMPANIES

Who We've Worked With

Did you know MPL provide a 24 hour emergency support line for all course students & a next day supply service of Locksmith Tools, uPVC Door Locks and Locksmith Supplies...We provide the full Locksmith Training Service

Where To Find Us