Locksmith Business Valuation
Locksmith Business Valuation Calculator & Exit Planning Built for Security Professionals
We built one platform that tracks your locksmith business's value monthly, identifies exit gaps early, and ensures your personal finances align with your exit timeline.
1,000+ Businesses have joined YourExitValue.com
Most Locksmith Business Owners Have No Idea What Their Company is Actually Worth
Current Locksmith Valuation Multiples (2026)
Locksmith valuations depend on commercial accounts, service mix, and recurring revenue. Here's the market:
Every business is different. That's why you need to track your value.
Included in Your Exit Value is a complete Exit Planning Assessment where you track your progress quarterly against your results from the previous quarter.
Know your number and watch it grow
Most business owners guess at their value. You'll know it with precision.
Our platform uses six proven valuation methodologies to give you a complete picture of what your business is worth today—and tracks how that number changes month over month. No more waiting for annual appraisals or paying $15K+ for outdated reports.
See your trends. Spot opportunities. Make informed decisions
What Actually Drives Locksmith Business Value
Your call volume matters, but sophisticated buyers evaluate these factors that determine premium pricing:
Commercial Accounts
40%+ Commercial/Institutional
Commercial and institutional accounts—property management, schools, hospitals, apartment complexes—provide recurring revenue and larger projects that residential lockouts can't match. When a property manager calls you for all their buildings, that relationship has real value. Commercial accounts also often come with service agreements that transfer to new owners.
Residential-only = low-ticket calls
Service Diversification
Locks + Access Control + Safes
Traditional lock services are the baseline, but electronic access control, safe sales and service, and automotive locksmith capabilities command better margins. Each additional service type brings different customer segments and reduces dependence on emergency lockouts—which are profitable but unpredictable.
Lockouts-only = limited revenue streams
Recurring Revenue
Service Agreements in Place
Service agreements with commercial properties for regular rekeying, master key management, and access control maintenance provide predictable monthly or annual revenue. These contracts transfer to new ownership and demonstrate professional business development beyond just answering emergency calls.
No agreements = call-dependent revenue
Technician Team
2+ Credentialed Locksmiths
If you're the only locksmith, what happens when you take a vacation—or when a new owner takes over? Buyers need to see that the operation functions without the owner on every call. Having additional credentialed locksmiths (ideally with ALOA certification) demonstrates scalability.
Owner-only = key person risk
Credentials & Licensing
Licensed, Bonded, Certified
Proper licensing, bonding, and professional certifications (ALOA, SAVTA) signal legitimacy in an industry plagued by fly-by-night operators and scam companies. These credentials enable commercial contracts, institutional work, and customer trust that unlicensed competitors can't access.
No credentials = limited market access
Shop vs Mobile
Retail Location + Mobile Service
A retail storefront provides walk-in traffic, key cutting revenue, safe sales, and local presence that mobile-only operations lack. The combination of retail and mobile service captures more revenue per customer and demonstrates market position. Pure mobile operations are harder to sell and command lower multiples.
Mobile-only = visibility limitations
How to Value a Locksmith Business
The U.S. locksmith industry includes approximately 20,000 businesses generating over $3 billion in annual revenue. Locksmith businesses provide emergency lockout services, key cutting, lock installation, access control systems, and security consulting.
Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) is the primary valuation method. Locksmith businesses typically sell for 1.5x to 2.5x SDE. Companies with commercial accounts, access control installation capabilities, and multiple service technicians command the higher end.
Revenue multiples generally range from 0.20x to 0.40x annual revenue. Companies with commercial service contracts and electronic access control installation capabilities achieve the upper end.
The unique valuation factor for locksmith businesses is the commercial account base and technology capability. Traditional lock-and-key work faces declining demand as electronic access control, smart locks, and keyless entry systems proliferate. Locksmiths who have expanded into commercial electronic access control installation, master key systems, and security consulting capture higher-value work and more recurring revenue through maintenance contracts. Emergency lockout services provide high-margin impulse revenue but are unpredictable. The combination of commercial contracts and emergency services creates a stable revenue base.
The locksmith industry is evolving toward integrated security services. Companies that have made the technology transition are well-positioned for premium valuations. Use our free calculator above to get your instant estimate, then track your value monthly with YourExitValue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What multiple do locksmith businesses sell for?
Most locksmith businesses sell for 1.8x – 3.2x SDE. Companies with commercial accounts, access control capabilities, and retail locations command the higher end.
How do commercial accounts affect locksmith business value?
Significantly. Commercial and institutional accounts provide larger projects, recurring service agreements, and predictable revenue. A locksmith with 40%+ commercial work commands notably higher multiples.
Who buys locksmith businesses?
Security companies expanding services, larger locksmith operations acquiring territory, individual buyers seeking established businesses, and occasionally home services consolidators adding capabilities.
Should I add electronic access control before selling?
If feasible, yes. Electronic access control is growing faster than traditional locks, commands better margins, and attracts commercial customers. Training and certification are available through industry associations.
Is a retail location necessary for good valuation?
Not absolutely necessary, but it helps. Retail provides walk-in revenue, local visibility, and key cutting traffic. Mobile-only operations can still sell well if they have strong commercial accounts and recurring revenue.
What's the fastest way to increase my locksmith business value?
Three high-impact moves: 1) Build commercial accounts with property managers and institutions, 2) Add access control capabilities for better margins, 3) Hire a second locksmith to reduce owner dependence.