Surface Experts vs The Flying Locksmiths
Surface Experts vs The Flying Locksmiths: Surface Experts costs $133K–$232K to open; The Flying Locksmiths costs $120K–$350K. Surface Experts has 33 units, The Flying Locksmiths has 38. SBA loan history: Surface Experts = 41 loans (2.4% default); The Flying Locksmiths = 49 loans (4.1% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet, see the comparison below.
Surface Experts vs The Flying Locksmiths: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan-level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
The Flying Locksmiths requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($120K vs $133K for Surface Experts), a 11% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $110K for Surface Experts versus $75K for The Flying Locksmiths, The Flying Locksmiths has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 8% for Surface Experts and 8% for The Flying Locksmiths, equal royalty drag.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, The Flying Locksmiths operates 38 units to Surface Experts's 33.
SBA Lending Profile
The Flying Locksmiths has the deeper SBA lending track record with 49 historical 7(a) approvals versus 41 for Surface Experts. Surface Experts's peak SBA year was 2025 (9 loans); The Flying Locksmiths's peak was 2017 (14 loans). Surface Experts's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Geographically, Surface Experts concentrates in FL (6 SBA-funded units) while The Flying Locksmiths leads in OH (5). Pick the brand whose strongest state matches yours for warmest lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Surface Experts deals is $157K vs $174K for The Flying Locksmiths, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 2.4% for Surface Experts and 4.1% for The Flying Locksmiths, Surface Experts has the cleaner historical loss profile by 1.7 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 66 (Strong) for Surface Experts and 54 (Moderate) for The Flying Locksmiths, giving Surface Experts the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 66/100 | 54/100 |
Health Tier | Strong | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 41 | 49 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 2.4% | 4.1% |
Peer Tier | established | established |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $133K – $232K | $120K – $350K |
Franchise Fee | $110K | $75K |
Royalty Rate | 8% | 8% |
Ad Fund | 3% | N/A |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 33 | 38 |
Franchised Units | 33 | 38 |
Company-Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 10 yrs | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 2008 | N/A |
Franchising Since | N/A | N/A |
Years Franchising | N/A | N/A |
Headquarters | Spokane, FL | Pennsylvania, PA |
Category | Other Personal | Other Personal |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2024 | 2026 |
Which Is Better, Surface Experts or The Flying Locksmiths?
Lower upfront capital required
The Flying Locksmiths
Surface Experts: $133K starting · The Flying Locksmiths: $120K starting
More SBA lender confidence
The Flying Locksmiths
Surface Experts: 41 SBA loans · The Flying Locksmiths: 49 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Surface Experts
Surface Experts: 2.4% · The Flying Locksmiths: 4.1%
Larger system & brand presence
The Flying Locksmiths
Surface Experts: 33 units · The Flying Locksmiths: 38 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Tie
Surface Experts: 8% · The Flying Locksmiths: 8%
More lender financing options
Surface Experts
Surface Experts: 13 unique lenders · The Flying Locksmiths: 12 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
Need Funding for Surface Experts or The Flying Locksmiths?
PeerSense connects you with 500+ SBA lenders and capital sources. Our referral fee is established upfront and paid at closing.
SBA Lenders & Capital Sources
Retainers or Consulting Fees
10% Down Franchise Loans
About These Franchises
Surface Experts vs The Flying Locksmiths: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Surface Experts and The Flying Locksmiths is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $120K to $350K.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories, Surface Experts with 41 SBA loans and The Flying Locksmiths with 49. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Surface Experts vs The Flying Locksmiths, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Surface Experts or The Flying Locksmiths?
How much does a Surface Experts franchise cost compared to The Flying Locksmiths?
Can I finance Surface Experts or The Flying Locksmiths with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Surface Experts or The Flying Locksmiths?
Financing a franchise? Get matched to an SBA lender.
Tell us which brand and your budget. We route you to lenders who have already funded deals in these systems.
Franchise / SBA 7(a): Response within 24–48 hours. No obligation.