Hi everyone,
I’m based in Fiji and looking to start a small key duplication setup as a side business, potentially scaling it if it proves viable. I don’t have a big budget, so I’m trying to be strategic and avoid costly mistakes early on.
I’d really appreciate advice from anyone with experience in locksmithing or key cutting. Specifically:
What type of key duplicator machine should I start with (manual vs semi-automatic vs automatic)?
Which brands/models are reliable for beginners but still durable long-term?
What are the essential tools and inventory I need to get started?
How much should I realistically budget for a basic setup?
Any common mistakes or pitfalls to avoid early on?
How do you handle key blanks inventory efficiently without overstocking?
Is this a business that can be profitable in a smaller market?
Also, if there are any legal or permit considerations I should be aware of when starting this in Fiji or similar markets, that would be helpful.
I’m aiming to keep things lean at the start and build up gradually, so practical, real-world advice would be most useful.
Thanks in advance.