I had a locksmith come out to my guesthouse to re-key the locks. He did an excellent job up-selling me on a new knob and going the extra mile by lubing my car locks. His superb service means I will be happy to recommend him as a locksmith, as long as I can remember his name. It’s only been a couple days, but it now takes 7 seconds for me to remember his company name.

Since I rarely need locksmith services, I imagine in a couple weeks I will forget his company name altogether and he will become merely that, “wonderful locksmith who did such a good job.” He would’ve been wise to put hand me my new keys on an imprinted key tag or key chain! Ironically, the day after the locksmith helped me, I bought 6 generic key tags at a hardware store so I can keep better track of my keys! He missed future business with me and my friends by not giving me something with his company name on it.

Here are some of the few key tag options that can help a locksmith—or any business—improve his future sales:

Imprinted Key Tags or Key Chains

Custom key tags, or key chains (they are the same thing—objects that hang on the key ring with the keys) come in all sorts of shapes and are generally inexpensive.

If I were a locksmith, I would choose a key shaped key chain. After one glance at the shape and a customer would instantly remember the wonderful locksmith. With all the custom shapes available, it makes sense to choose a shape that reflects the business. A customer’s closer look would reveal all the business contact information—just what a customer needs to re-order services or suggest a referral.

Glow In The Dark Key Chain

My absolute favorite key tag or key chain is a phosphorescent, or glow-in-the-dark type. They glow bright enough for us to find the keys in the dark and help us find the ignition more easily. Glowing key chains are actually one of my favorite giveaways for any company. They’re so useful that they won’t get thrown away. And since they glow in the dark, they don’t get lost as easily as other key chains might. And they’re inexpensive. I love them!

Metal vs. Plastic/Vinyl Custom Key Chains

Metal key tags or key chains are pretty to look at and have nice logo detail. They also look more expensive than vinyl or plastic key tags. But they’re heavy. I think people are more likely to add a light key tag to their keys rather than a heavy key tag. Since plastic and vinyl key tags are cheaper too, it’s obvious to me what key tag is a better choice.

Key Lights

I’ve written an article before on key lights, which are key tags that include an LED light. There’s blinking LED key lights, a key light powered by a crank or the sun rather than battery, and a type that glows and blinks in multi-colors. They cost a bit more than the classic vinyl or plastic key tag, but if the budget can afford it, this type makes up for it in bling. Like the glow in the dark key chains, these LED key lights are too useful to throw away, so business contact information is always close by the customer.

Good customer service brings repeat customers and lots of referrals—if they can remember the company name. A custom key tag or key chain can be just the thing to keep company information at a customer’s fingertips.