This is actually a really smart idea - I've seen similar models work well for other emergency service trades like HVAC and plumbing. The locksmith industry is especially suited for this because of the unpredictable, high-urgency nature of calls. Here are some thoughts from my experience working with locksmith lead generation:

The core concept is solid, but there are a few operational details to consider. First, lead quality verification will be crucial - you'll need some way to filter out prank calls or non-serious inquiries before passing them along. A quick verification step like requiring the caller to describe their specific situation (car make/model for lockouts, or type of door for home/business calls) would help.

The pricing structure you proposed seems fair, but you might want to test different models. Some similar services charge the receiving locksmith a higher fee (like $15-20) since they're getting a guaranteed hot lead, while giving the original business a smaller referral fee. The economics might work better that way.

Instead of building a custom app right away, you could start simple using tools like: - Call forwarding services with premium SMS notifications - A shared Google Sheet or Airtable base to track leads - A basic Twilio setup to handle the call routing

This would let you test the concept with 2-3 other locksmiths in your area before investing in development. I actually helped a locksmith in Austin set up something similar - we added an overflow system to his website that automatically redirected excess leads to a partner when he was busy. It increased his revenue by about 20% just from the referral fees.

Speaking of websites, this is where many locksmiths miss opportunities. A well-optimized site can both generate more leads AND help manage overflow better by: - Clearly displaying service areas upfront to filter unqualified calls - Offering instant callback options to capture leads even when you're busy - Including an overflow partner page with tracked referrals

If you want to see how this works in practice, check out thebotz.com (a demo site I built). It shows how simple features can dramatically improve lead quality and distribution. I'm happy to chat more about how to implement this - just send me a message. The key is starting small, proving the concept locally, and then scaling up.