2016 Trends & Topics
Believe it or not, the editors of Locksmith Ledger are already hard at work, planning for the year 2017. Our research shows the greatest growth in electronic access control, followed by traditional mechanical locks, video surveillance and then very specialized automotive locksmithing. Clearly more and more of your customers are asking for electronics and for locks that can be opened with their cellphone or some other credential. We will be addressing these topics in upcoming issues.
Every segment of our market has different priorities. Most institutional locksmiths are transitioning to electronics but also still masterkeying and installing and repairing exit devices, mag locks, door closers and automated door operators. School and university locksmiths see emergency lockdown capabilities as a priority. Commercial locksmiths are serving their commercial and retail customers’ openings but also repairing and installing residential locks. Adding mobile locksmiths to the mix, they are doing a lot of lockouts, car opening and transponder programming, as are commercial shops.
Whatever your specialty, please let us know what topics you would like to see covered in 2016. Please email your comments to [email protected]. And stop by the Locksmith Ledger booth and the upcoming summer/fall trade shows and let us know what topics we can cover to help you grow your business.
Looking for Specific Products?
Here at Locksmith Ledger, we get a lot of questions from readers who are looking for sources for specific products. We are always glad to help, but we also have a couple suggestions for locksmiths who need that part after hours.
Our website, www.locksmithledger.com, has a search box in the upper right corner of the home page. We recommend typing in the product name or type there. Results will likely take you to our online Buyers Guide or to magazine articles about that particular product/company.
In print, please check our 2016 Security Register, which includes a product index an extensive alphabetical listings of both manufacturers and distributors serving the locksmith industry. Next month’s magazine will include our Know Your Distributors listings, which provide greater detail about locksmith distributors, including information on product categories, brands, value-added services and shipping policies.
More Questions? Visit Discussion Forums
Got a challenging question about a recent installation? Our online discussion forums might just have the answer you need.
Post your questions at http://forums.locksmithledger.com/ and see if your colleagues or our editors can provide an answer. Forum topics include Ask An Expert (moderated by editor in chief Gale Johnson), General Locksmithing, Electronic Access Control, Safe Servicing and Automotive Locksmithing.
Subscribe To ENewsletters
Want monthly updates delivered right into your Inbox? Subscribe to Locksmith Ledger’s four monthly enewsletters.
- Our issue promo enewsletter gives readers an online preview of each new issue.
- ProductWatch showcases the newest products being marketed to locksmiths.
- EventWatch notifies are readers of upcoming trade shows and educational opportunities.
- Notes from the Editor is a timely, interesting monthly report from Editor-In-Chief Gale Johnson.
Just visit http://www.locksmithledger.com/reg/newsletter/display, select the newsletters you would like to receive, and type in your email address, and soon these monthly updates will arrive in your Inbox.
Send Your Letters
The editors of Locksmith Ledger welcome reader input. Share your comments and suggestions on any of our articles or general industry trends and topics. Share your opinions on relevant topics like locksmith licensing, the shift from key to keyless for both automotive and residential, and the state of our industry in general. Let us know what works and doesn't work for your business.
Letters can be mailed to Locksmith Ledger, 125 Wilke Road, Suite 300, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. They may be faxed to 866-827-8020 or E-mailed to [email protected].
