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
Considering a Blackthorn Locksmith & Security franchise? These are the questions we hear most from prospective owners. The answers below reflect how our franchise program works today, explained as plainly as we can. If you need more detail, our franchise line is open.
Common Questions
Do I need locksmith experience to open a Blackthorn franchise?
No prior locksmith experience is required. We train every new franchisee and their lead technician, whether they come from a trade background or a completely different industry. What you do need is the willingness to learn the craft and the discipline to follow a system. Many of our strongest owners came from customer-service and operations roles, not from turning locks.
How much does it cost to open a Blackthorn Locksmith & Security franchise?
Total investment ranges vary by territory size, real estate costs, and how much of the setup you choose to build out yourself. We provide a detailed written breakdown of every cost category during the discovery process, including the franchise fee, equipment, vehicle, inventory, training travel, and working capital. You will not get a vague ballpark from us. You will get a line-by-line investment schedule before you sign anything.
Do you offer financing or third-party lending relationships?
Blackthorn does not provide direct financing, but we maintain referral relationships with equipment lenders and SBA-preferred lenders who understand our business model. Many franchisees combine personal capital with a small business loan or equipment financing. We will walk through what your personal funding picture looks like early in our conversations so you know whether this is realistic before you spend months on diligence.
Will I have exclusive territory rights?
Yes. Each franchisee receives a protected territory defined by population, postal boundaries, and service demand, not just a map line. That means no other Blackthorn location markets or dispatches into your area. The exact shape and size of your territory is negotiated before you sign and written into your franchise agreement. Territory protection matters to us because our brand promise depends on a local owner who knows the neighborhood and has a real stake in it.
How long is training and where does it happen?
Initial training runs four weeks total. The first two weeks are classroom and bench training covering lock mechanisms, keyways, rekeying, hardware installation, access control fundamentals, and our written pricing system. The second two weeks are field training alongside an experienced technician in an operating territory. You will leave training able to price and quote jobs accurately, not just turn a lock. Ongoing training continues through our annual conference and scheduled skill modules.
What ongoing fees or royalties does Blackthorn charge?
Blackthorn charges a monthly royalty based on a percentage of gross sales, plus a set contribution toward the brand fund that supports shared marketing, technology, and training systems. We disclose the exact royalty schedule and all other fees in the Franchise Disclosure Document before you commit. There are no hidden technology fees or surprise add-ons. Our model is built so the franchisee keeps enough margin for the business to be worth running.
How long does it take to open after I sign the franchise agreement?
Most franchisees open their doors within 90 to 150 days of signing. That timeline covers territory mapping, vehicle equipment and branding, inventory ordering, insurance setup, and your training dates. Several factors can stretch or shorten that window, especially commercial lease timing if you choose a storefront. We give you a realistic opening calendar during the final approval phase, and we hold ourselves to it.
What support does Blackthorn provide after I open?
Every franchisee has a dedicated support contact who knows their territory and tracks their call volume and pricing patterns. You also get our dispatch and marketing systems, vendor pricing, ongoing technical training, and a live support line for questions from the field. When a Schlage won’t rekey or an access control panel throws an error on a Friday night, you are not alone. The support structure exists to protect the brand promise we make to every customer.
What kind of person is the ideal Blackthorn franchisee?
The owner who succeeds with us is steady, detail-oriented, and comfortable talking to worried customers at midnight. You do not need to be the most aggressive salesperson in the room. You need to be the kind of person who double-checks that the door actually latches before you leave. A background in management, trades, or customer service helps, but the thing we look for most is temperament. Locks are not an impulse purchase. Neither is a franchise.
What is the next step if I want to learn more?
Call our franchise line at (818) 390-9007. A person answers, not a voicemail tree. We will ask you a few questions about your background, your target market, and your capital picture, then send you the initial information package. From there we schedule a call to walk through unit economics in detail. The process is straightforward and we will tell you quickly if it is not a fit.
Still Have Questions?
If you have read this far, you probably have questions specific to your situation. That is what the phone is for. Call (818) 390-9007 and ask for the franchise team. Or submit the form below with your name, city, and a good time to talk. We will call you back.
Written by Shane Delaney, Owner & Lead Technician at Blackthorn Locksmith & Security.