Autowave explains key programming

Ravi Kotecha, Autowave’s Director, explains why the time is right for motor factors to invest in automotive key programming.

Key programming was once seen as a taboo subject for garages, technicians and motor factors. Recently, however, there has been a change of scene, with a large uptake in these services across the automechanical sector, which, naturally, creates an exceptional opportunity for motor factors that has, up until now, remained largely unexplored.

There are two avenues that any motor factor could take. One is stocking spare keys, remotes and transponders in the same way they would brake pads or hoses. By doing this, they can be the local hub for their garage customers for a same-day service, something which can be very hard to come by. This will increase their footfall, as customers that may previously have used other outlets for parts will shift their business to accommodate their key programming aspects.

A second option is to be the auto-locksmithing contact for their local garages, as well as the general public. These factors will be able to provide a key programming and cutting service, and become a hub for auto-locksmithing work. One such customer of ours, Moffats Motor Accessories in Lancashire, has reported that it is immensely pleased with its decision to use Autowave to introduce it to the world of key programming. With a relatively small outlay, the factor has seen large profit margins and a great return on investment, all without disturbing the flow of a very busy auto shop. Within weeks of the initial purchase, and with no prior experience, it has already recouped a large portion of its costs and has seen an increase in sales of non-locksmithing items as a result of the increased customer base. With the automation of key cutting machines meaning that no oversight is necessary, factor owners can rest assured that their businesses won’t be disrupted. We at Autowave also provided Moffats with bespoke point-of-sale materials and key boards to allow it to advertise its new service to its customers.

In terms of initial outlay, we often are asked what the price point of entry is. The honest answer is that it varies by a customer’s needs. Some spend as little as £1,000 to offer a small-scale key cutting and programming service. Others will spend up to around £10,000 to give themselves the largest possible coverage of vehicles to ensure no gaps are missed in their potential market. Many will spend around £2,500 to give themselves a strong level of coverage of the vast majority of vehicles on the road today, as well as keys, remotes and transponders for stock.

Many key programming jobs take a mere 15 to 20 minutes to complete, which enables factors to schedule plenty of jobs into their working day!

Autowave will be with you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on our aftersales support and will always be available to support any motor factors with any questions, troubles or queries they may have. This is an unprecedented opportunity for motor factors; with the automotive sector ever-changing, keys and remotes are something that cars will require long into the future. Motor factors can strike while the iron is hot to really give themselves a great new source of revenue.