Trades · 5 min read

Locksmith after-hours and vacation coverage.

Lockouts. Lost keys. Property security after a break-in. Locksmith calls are inherently urgent and inherently inconvenient. Here's how solo locksmiths take vacation without losing the call queue.

Quick answer

Solo locksmiths typically vacation by partnering with 1-2 covering locksmiths on a referral-fee basis. Vacation triggers an auto-routing flow: incoming locksmith calls get routed to the covering tech, who pays you a referral fee for completed jobs. The arrangement keeps your phone quiet AND keeps revenue flowing.

The covering locksmith arrangement

1-2 covering locksmiths in your service area.
Pre-agreed referral structure (typically 10-15% of completed job).
Compatibility on services offered (residential, automotive, commercial, safe work).
Insurance and licensing verification.
Reciprocal arrangement so they vacation through you.

Service categorization

Different covering techs may handle different categories. Match each category to a covering specialist.

Lockout (residential / automotive / commercial)
Lock change (post-breakin or move-in)
Key duplication and rekeying
Safe work (combination loss, lockouts)
Commercial / master key system work

Pricing during vacation

Covering tech charges customer their normal rate. Pay you 10-15% as referral. Customer doesn't see the markup.

Some arrangements use flat per-call fees instead of percentage. Either works.

Pre-vacation prep

Brief covering tech on any active commercial accounts.
Update voicemail and routing with covering tech contact.
Notify any commercial accounts in writing.
Confirm covering tech availability for the trip dates.

// Locksmith referral routing

Calls route to covering locksmith with referral structure.

Vacation revenue continues. 14 days free.

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