Non-destructive entry first, always - and we re-key Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin locks on the spot while you watch
You get a price before we start. It does not change when we arrive. No surprises.
Franchise FAQ
Preston Locksmith & Security has been answering calls since 2008, and we built our name on one habit: tell the customer the exact price before touching a single pin. This page answers the real questions we hear from prospective franchisees, honestly and without the sales fog.
Common Questions
Do I need locksmith experience to open a Preston Locksmith & Security franchise?
No prior locksmith experience is required. We train you on the trade from the ground up, including residential deadbolts, rekeys, and commercial hardware. What we cannot train is reliability, so we look for operators who show up on time and communicate clearly.
What is the total investment range to open a location?
The total investment depends on your market, vehicle costs, and initial inventory, but prospective franchisees should plan for a meaningful initial commitment. We provide a written breakdown during the discovery process so you know exactly what you are signing up for before you commit. There are no vague estimates and no surprises buried in the fine print.
Is financing available?
We do not provide direct financing, but we can point you toward third-party funding options that other franchisees have used. Many candidates combine personal savings with small business lending. Your exact path depends on your credit profile and the market you choose.
Will I have an exclusive territory?
Yes. Each Preston Locksmith & Security location operates within a defined territory so you are not competing against another Preston van around the corner from your jobs. Your territory is mapped out during the discovery process based on population, drive times, and demand density.
How long does training take?
Training runs several weeks and covers both sides of the business: the mechanical work and the operational systems that make The Relay Standard work. You will learn Schlage, Kwikset, Medeco, Yale, Baldwin, Mul-T-Lock, Sargent, and Abloy hardware, from standard residential deadbolts to high-security commercial cylinders. You will also learn the customer-facing systems: written pricing, live arrival times, and before-and-after photos.
What are the ongoing fees and royalties?
Like most franchise systems, Preston Locksmith & Security charges an ongoing royalty and a contribution toward brand-level support. The exact percentages and structure are disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document well before you sign anything. We are happy to walk through the numbers line by line during discovery.
How long does it take from signing to opening my doors?
Most franchisees open within a few months of signing, depending on vehicle outfitting, inventory, training completion, and local permitting in your area. We do not rush you through the process. We would rather you open ready than open fast.
What kind of ongoing support do you provide?
You get support on scheduling software, marketing, parts sourcing, and the operational playbook that keeps every job running to The Relay Standard. Each location is independently owned and operated, but you are never alone when a weird lock cylinder or a difficult commercial job shows up. The Relay Home Co. family is a network, not a name on a brochure.
What kind of person makes an ideal Preston franchisee?
Someone who is comfortable working with their hands, patient on the phone, and disciplined about documentation. The locksmith trade rewards people who do not cut corners. If you can follow a written process and treat a midnight lockout customer with the same courtesy as a commercial client, you will do well here.
What is the next step if I am interested?
Call us at (409) 405-4485 and ask for franchise information. We will send you the overview, answer your questions directly, and if it looks like a fit, walk you through the next steps. No pressure, no automated pitch, just a conversation.
Still Have Questions?
This page covers the basics, but every market is different. Call (409) 405-4485 to talk through your specific situation, or submit the form and we will call you back. Either way, you will get straight answers.
Written by Kevin Yoon, Owner at Preston Locksmith & Security, serving customers since 2008.