How do I tell if a shoe repair shop’s key-cutting income is a big share of sales?

Start with the till. Many systems let the owner tag items by category, so ask for a report that separates shoe repair, key cutting, and anything else. Compare it with the income statement to see whether the numbers agree.

If nothing is tracked, ask whether you may watch the counter for a few days and note each sale. Do this at different hours, because key customers tend to pop in during lunch or after work. Keep a simple tally, and ask the seller to confirm it matches what they see.

Think about what the split tells you. Key cutting is quick and steady, while shoe repair is slower and skilled. A shop that leans on keys needs less specialized labour, but may be exposed to nearby competitors. A shop that leans on repair needs a person with the skill, and that matters if the cobbler is leaving. Also ask about the key machines and blank stock. They are part of what you would be buying. Remember that keys are often a counter service, so it may draw different customers from repair. Ask whether any key work is done for businesses or landlords on a standing basis. Those customers tend to be steadier, and you should know whether they would carry over.

Key takeaways

• Ask for a sales report split by service type.
• Tally a sample of sales if nothing is tracked.
• Consider who does each job and whether they will stay.