Big Lots is a well-known retail chain offering a wide variety of products at discounted prices, from furniture and home goods to food and seasonal items. With over 1,400 stores across 47 states, Big Lots is a popular destination for bargain shoppers. But does this retail giant also offer key duplication services? In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore whether you can get keys made at Big Lots, and provide all the details you need to know.
The Key Duplication Industry in the US
Before diving into Big Lots‘ key copying services, let‘s take a look at the key duplication industry as a whole. In the United States, the locksmith and key duplication services market is significant, with a revenue of $2.7 billion in 2021, according to IBISWorld. The market has seen steady growth over the past five years, with a 2.2% annual growth rate from 2016 to 2021.
The industry is fairly fragmented, with a mix of small local locksmiths and larger national chains. Some of the key players in the space include:
- Minute Key (owned by Hillman Group)
- KeyMe
- Mr. Handyman (a Neighborly company)
- Pop-A-Lock
In recent years, there has been a rise in self-service key duplication kiosks, like those offered by MinuteKey and KeyMe. These kiosks use advanced imaging technology and robotics to accurately duplicate keys, providing a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional locksmiths.
Does Big Lots Offer Key Duplication?
So, does Big Lots make keys? The answer is yes – but not directly. While Big Lots does not have its own key cutting services, select store locations have partnered with KeyMe, a leading key duplication technology company, to provide key copying solutions for customers.
KeyMe has installed their self-service key duplication kiosks in various retail locations across the US, including select Big Lots stores. These kiosks use proprietary technology to offer quick, precise, and affordable key copying for a broad range of key types.
However, it‘s crucial to note that not all Big Lots locations have a KeyMe kiosk. To check if your local Big Lots store provides key duplication, you can use the KeyMe kiosk locator on their website or mobile app by entering your city or zip code. The locator will show all nearby KeyMe kiosks, including those inside participating Big Lots stores.
The KeyMe Kiosk Experience at Big Lots
If your local Big Lots has a KeyMe kiosk, getting your keys duplicated is a simple process:
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Find the kiosk: KeyMe kiosks are usually located near the entrance or exit of the store.
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Choose your key type: Use the touchscreen to select the type of key you need copied (e.g., standard house key, car key, RFID fob).
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Insert the original key: Put your key in the kiosk‘s slot, following the on-screen prompts. Ensure the key‘s teeth face up.
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Scan the key: KeyMe‘s advanced imaging tech will scan and create a digital copy of your key.
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Customize (optional): Select from various key designs and colors to personalize your new key.
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Pay for your order: Review the order details and pay using the kiosk‘s secure credit card reader.
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Get your new key: For standard keys, the kiosk will cut and dispense your copy within minutes. More complex keys (e.g., RFID fobs) will be mailed to you.
KeyMe‘s self-service kiosks are designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and clear instructions. The key scanning and cutting process is fully automated, using high-precision robotics and digital imaging to ensure an accurate duplication every time.
For standard house keys, the entire process takes just a few minutes from start to finish. This makes Big Lots‘ KeyMe kiosks a great option for shoppers who need a quick spare key.
Key Types Available at Big Lots‘ KeyMe Kiosks
One advantage of KeyMe‘s technology is the wide range of keys their kiosks can duplicate. At a Big Lots KeyMe kiosk, you can copy keys like:
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Standard house keys: KeyMe can duplicate your brass keys for your home, garage, or shed.
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Vehicle keys: KeyMe supports keys for over 70% of vehicles on the road. However, some newer car models with advanced transponder tech may require the key to be shipped and programmed by an auto locksmith.
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Mailbox & office keys: Get spares for your PO box, office, or workplace keys.
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RFID fobs: KeyMe can even clone RFID key fobs and cards for your apartment or condo.
While KeyMe covers a broad variety of key types, some restrictions apply. Very high-security or uniquely designed keys may not work with the kiosk. You can check compatibility on KeyMe‘s website or app.
Pricing for Key Duplication at Big Lots
KeyMe‘s kiosks at Big Lots offer competitive prices for key copying compared to traditional locksmiths. Prices may vary slightly by location and key type, but here are some average costs:
| Key Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard brass house key | $2.99+ |
| Non-transponder car key | $9.99 – $29.99 |
| RFID key fob | $19.99 – $39.99 |
For comparison, here‘s how KeyMe‘s pricing at Big Lots stacks up against other popular key duplication options:
| Retailer / Service | Standard House Key | Car Key (Non-Transponder) |
|---|---|---|
| Big Lots (KeyMe) | $2.99+ | $9.99 – $29.99 |
| Minute Key | $2.99 | N/A |
| Home Depot | $1.49 – $2.99 | $39.98 – $79.98 |
| Lowe‘s | $2.00 – $3.00 | $10.00 – $50.00 |
| Walmart | $2.00 – $6.00 | $7.00 – $20.00 |
| Local Locksmith | $3.00 – $10.00 | $7.50 – $125.00+ |
As you can see, Big Lots‘ key copying prices via KeyMe are on par with or lower than most other options, especially for car keys.
Pros and Cons of Using Big Lots‘ KeyMe Kiosks
Getting keys made at a Big Lots KeyMe kiosk has several advantages:
- Convenience: Copy keys while doing your Big Lots shopping.
- Speed: Most standard keys are cut in minutes.
- Competitive prices: KeyMe often beats local locksmith rates.
- Accuracy: Advanced imaging and robotics ensure precision copies.
However, there are some potential downsides to consider:
- Limited availability: Not all Big Lots have KeyMe kiosks.
- Technical limitations: Some high-security or specialty keys may not work.
- DIY experience: Kiosks lack the expert guidance of a professional locksmith.
- Security concerns: Some may feel uneasy about leaving a digital copy of their key.
Overall, if you have a compatible key and there‘s a Big Lots KeyMe kiosk near you, it‘s a convenient, affordable and generally reliable option for key duplication.
Big Lots Stores with KeyMe Kiosks
As of 2023, KeyMe has kiosks in over 4,000 locations across the US, including retail stores, grocery chains, pharmacies, and more. Big Lots is one of several major retailers that have partnered with KeyMe to offer in-store key copying.
While the exact number of Big Lots stores with KeyMe kiosks is not publicly disclosed, data from KeyMe‘s kiosk locator suggests that participating Big Lots locations are most concentrated in states like:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- New York
However, even in these states, not all Big Lots stores have a KeyMe kiosk. It‘s best to check the locator for your specific area to confirm availability.
The Future of Self-Service Key Duplication
The rise of self-service key copying kiosks like KeyMe‘s reflects a broader trend toward automation and digitalization in the locksmith industry. As these technologies continue to improve and become more widely available, it‘s likely that more consumers will opt for the convenience and affordability of kiosk key duplication over traditional locksmith services.
KeyMe, in particular, has seen significant growth and expansion in recent years. In addition to its partnership with Big Lots, KeyMe has kiosks in retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Rite Aid, Albertsons, and more. They‘ve also developed a mobile app that allows users to save digital copies of their keys for easy reordering.
Looking ahead, the key duplication market is expected to continue its steady growth, driven in part by the increasing adoption of self-service kiosks. Market research firm Technavio projects the global key duplication machines market will see a CAGR of 5% from 2021 to 2025.
As a retail expert, I believe that the convenience and cost savings offered by in-store key copying kiosks like KeyMe‘s will make them an increasingly popular choice for consumers in the years to come. For retailers like Big Lots, partnering with key duplication technology companies can provide a valuable added service for shoppers and potentially drive more foot traffic to stores.
Of course, traditional locksmiths will still play an important role, particularly for more complex or high-security key needs. But for many everyday key copying tasks, self-service kiosks are likely to become the go-to choice for a growing number of consumers.
Conclusion
In summary, while Big Lots does not directly offer key duplication services, many of its stores have partnered with KeyMe to provide self-service key copying kiosks for customers. These kiosks offer a convenient, fast, and affordable way to duplicate a wide range of keys, from standard house keys to car keys and RFID fobs.
By using KeyMe‘s online kiosk locator, you can easily check if your local Big Lots store has a key copying kiosk. If so, you can get your keys duplicated in just a few minutes while doing your regular shopping.
While self-service key duplication isn‘t without its limitations and potential downsides, it remains an attractive option for many consumers looking to save time and money on key copying. As technology continues to advance and more retailers adopt these kiosks, I expect to see continued growth and popularity in this space.
So next time you‘re shopping at Big Lots and in need of a spare key, be sure to check if your store has a KeyMe kiosk – it just might be the most convenient and budget-friendly solution for your key duplication needs.
