Vaultek is known for high-quality quick-access safes, blending sleek design with smart features like smartphone integration and remote access. They stay focused on their niche, offering everything from simple push-button locks to Wi-Fi-enabled models.
Popular choices include the DS Series for its style and features, and the versatile VS20i. Accessories like the Nano Key add convenience, while premium packaging and design elevate the experience. Customers should choose the right size and placement for quick, safe access. While product names could be simpler, Vaultek adapts quickly to trends, making them a reliable, innovative choice for secure, stylish storage.
Learn more about Vaultek in Episode 17.
ASK A QUESTION
Have a question about safes, vault doors, the state of the industry, or even our favorite local burger spot? Sign up for updates about the next Safe Space podcast and get an exclusive link to submit a question.
Episode 17 Discussion Questions
00:43: How do you explain the fingerprint scanners reliability to a skeptical customer?
1:47: What Vaultek product do you own personally?
2:30: Have you noticed a shift in people wanting more tech for security options?
3:49: What makes Vaultek different from the other safe brands we carry?
4:53: How do you help customers decide if fall tech is right for them, or if they need something more traditional?
6:44: Which Vaultek model do you find customers gravitate toward the most, and why?
7:55: What's your favorite hidden feature or setting on a Vaultek safe?
9:43: What role do esthetics and design play in whether someone chooses a Vaultek safe? Do you think people care about how it looks or what it does?
10:55: With all the tech in Vaultek safes, do you think there's a risk of overcomplicating something that's supposed to be simple and reliable?
12:08: If you could sell one Vaultek model all year, which one would you pick?
13:25: Have you noticed different buying patterns for the Vaultek products in-store versus online?
14:17: What improvements would you like to see from Vaultek in the next few years, if any?
16:06: What's one piece of advice to someone considering their first Vaultek product?
Episode 17 Discussion Question Synopses
00:43: How do you explain the fingerprint scanners reliability to a skeptical customer?
I share my own experience with customers because I have terrible fingerprints. There are a lot of brands I simply can’t program into—the scanners just won’t read me. If you’re a shooter and have ever used the Silencer Shop kiosk to record your fingerprints, you know the struggle. It once took me 15 minutes and multiple tries.
With Liberty’s first-generation fingerprint readers, I couldn’t even get my own prints programmed. Vaultek was the first quick-access pistol safe I could actually set up and use without trouble.
In our showroom, we keep our fingerprints programmed into the display models. That way, we can show customers the safe unlocking with our own fingers. And if someone is still skeptical, I’ll program my print right in front of them before they leave—just to prove it works.
1:47: What Vaultek product do you own personally?
Riley: I have a VS20i on my nightstand. And then I have a LifePod underneath my car seat.
David Jr.: I have a VT20i in the back seat of my truck underneath the rear passenger seat. And then, I have a DS2i on my nightstand. And I kind of wish it was a DS5i.
2:30: Have you noticed a shift in people wanting more tech for security options?
The market still feels like it’s lagging a bit — especially when it comes to larger safes. Tech is leading the way, but it hasn’t fully made its way into the big models yet. That could change soon, as more people are getting comfortable with the technology.
Ten years ago, about half the safes on our showroom floor had mechanical dial locks. Now, about 95% use electronic locks. That shift happened because customers started trusting the technology more, and the products themselves improved.
There’s also a growing demand for safes that integrate with home security systems. People want to check the status of their safe from their smartphone, get alerts if there’s tampering, and even open it remotely. Vaultek has done a great job with these features, and it’s exactly the kind of functionality customers are looking for now.
3:49: What makes Vaultek different from the other safe brands we carry?
Vaultek mainly focuses on quick-access safes. They’re not trying to build high-end commercial models or giant vaults for storing huge amounts of precious metals. What makes them stand out is that they know exactly what they’re good at — and they stick to it.
When you’re shopping for any safe, big or small, it’s worth finding a company that specializes in what they do best. Brands that try to make every type of safe often end up spreading themselves too thin, and the quality suffers.
Vaultek has stayed disciplined, even though plenty of people have asked them to create larger safes. They know their niche and continue to focus on building the best quick-access safes possible.
10 Reasons We Love the DS2i Smart Station
4:53: How do you help customers decide if fall tech is right for them, or if they need something more traditional?
For years, we’ve carried traditional push-button mechanical locks—the kind you might remember from old government buildings or hospitals. They have five mechanical buttons you press in the right order to open the lock. Our first quick-access boxes used this style, and we still offer them today for customers who don’t want anything with batteries or electronics.
That said, most people now want more features—things like smartphone connectivity, alerts when their safe is accessed, and multiple ways to get in. Because of that, it’s easy for us to recommend Vaultek. They’re a specialty brand and, for the most part, the only electronic quick-access safes we carry.
We’ve tested a lot of products, but when it comes to electronic locks, there aren’t many we fully trust. Sure, we could sell cheaper options, but we don’t feel confident in their reliability. Vaultek isn’t for everyone, but it’s been a great fit for us and our customers.
6:44: Which Vaultek model do you find customers gravitate toward the most, and why?
Lately, the most popular models have been the DS Series. But historically, the Slider Series was the most popular.
The Slider has always been a favorite because of its sleek, slim design. You can set it on top of a table, mount it on the side of a nightstand or dresser, or even install it in a vehicle. It’s compact but still quick and easy to access—making it stand out from bulkier options.
The DS Series takes things a step further with extra features. It has a built-in clock, a wireless phone charging pad, multiple plug-ins, and a modern design that feels like part of an all-in-one system. Even though it’s not brand new anymore, it still gets the most attention at trade shows and on our showroom tables. The combination of its sleek look, handy features, and eye-catching lighting makes it a clear crowd favorite.
7:55: What's your favorite hidden feature or setting on a Vaultek safe?
One of my favorite Vaultek features is how customizable they are. You can turn off sounds, adjust the lighting, and even change the impact sensitivity so the buttons don’t beep when you press them. But the feature I think is the coolest is the Nano Key.
The Nano Key is a small, wireless button you can hide anywhere—on a desk, under a counter, or even in a vehicle. Press it, and your safe opens instantly. When it first came out, I bought way too many of them, and now it’s kind of a running joke.
We also learned something funny early on: when customers left the showroom with their new safes, the motion sensors would sometimes go off in the car on the way home. That’s when we figured out how to use the “hotkey” combination — holding down two buttons — to quickly adjust the motion sensitivity before people left. Little things like that make Vaultek safes both smart and practical.
Vaultek Safe® Bluetooth 2.0 Nano Key Biometric VSK-NT20
- Compatible with Bluetooth 2.0 safes only.
- Instant access with one simple touch.
- Mount anywhere with the included bracket and mounting tape.
- Biometric scanner can store up to 20 fingerprints for secure access, and features a range up to 20 feet.
- Built in rechargeable battery provides 3 months of standby time, and can be recharged in 2.5 hours.
9:43: What role do esthetics and design play in whether someone chooses a Vaultek safe? Do you think people care about how it looks or what it does?
Vaultek definitely has a cool factor, but it’s more than just looks—they design their products with the right dimensions and features for their purpose. For example, they recently released an under-bed safe that’s compact enough to actually fit under most beds, but still offers more storage than you’d expect.
Their safes also have thoughtful details, like stylish door panels with built-in mounting points for accessories. Everything feels well-made and looks sharp. Even the unboxing experience is impressive—it’s a lot like opening a new Apple product. The packaging is so nice, you almost want to keep the box.
From branding to design, Vaultek nails the details, making their products feel premium from start to finish.
This smart, quick-access safe is ideal for tight spaces and child safety. Learn why it’s trusted by families and professionals alike.
10:55: With all the tech in Vaultek safes, do you think there's a risk of overcomplicating something that's supposed to be simple and reliable?
With Vaultek, it’s really your choice. Their Essential Series is simple—just a key and keypad. But if you want more features, you can upgrade to a Wi-Fi-enabled model and get all the extra options, like app control and remote alerts.
You can keep it basic and just use the keypad or key, or you can connect it to your phone for more control. In fact, you could own a Vaultek safe and never set it up on your phone at all—it’s totally up to you. You don’t have to mess with sensitivity settings or special features if you don’t want to. Just set your code, press the buttons, and you’re in.
That said, a lot of customers are happy to take whichever version we have in stock, whether it’s the basic model or the one with all the bells and whistles.
12:08: If you could sell one Vaultek model all year, which one would you pick?
If I had to choose one Vaultek model for everyday use, I’d probably go with the VS20i. It’s a little simpler than the DS2i but works in more places.
The DS2i is packed with features—like a clock and phone charger—but not everyone needs those. The VS20i keeps it straightforward with a keypad, a biometric fingerprint scanner, and quick access using a simple code. Think of it as the “Honda Civic” of Vaultek safes—reliable, versatile, and easy to use.
You can place the VS20i on top of a nightstand or tuck it inside a drawer, which you can’t do with the Slider models. It’s one of Vaultek’s most versatile designs, and it’s been around long enough to prove itself as a dependable choice.
13:25: Have you noticed different buying patterns for the Vaultek products in-store versus online?
Our fastest-selling product online has been the DS2i Series. When it first launched, it flew off the shelves. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a huge difference between it and similar models, but some customers do go all out with accessories for the DS2i.
Overall, though, sales are pretty similar across the series—it just depends on what features and add-ons people want.
14:17: What improvements would you like to see from Vaultek in the next few years, if any?
One area where Vaultek could improve is making their product names simpler. They’re always releasing new models and improving designs, but the names often sound similar to the previous generation. Sometimes they’ll keep making an older version alongside the new one, which can make things confusing—especially if the model number on the box doesn’t match what you see online.
Another improvement would be designing more models to fit today’s popular handgun setups. With the rise of red-dot optics and extended magazines, some older Vaultek models—like the Slider or XT Series—were too small. To their credit, Vaultek responded quickly by creating slightly larger versions to fit those builds, which was a smart move.
16:06: What's one piece of advice to someone considering their first Vaultek product?
It’s easy to buy a safe that’s too small—especially once you start adding more items than you originally planned. That’s why it’s important to think about placement and how you’ll actually use it. For example, with under-bed safes, or even small pistol boxes, many people instinctively put them low on the floor. But that’s not always the best spot.
I usually recommend placing your safe where you can access it quickly while standing—like near eye level. This setup makes it easier to operate in an emergency, keeps it out of reach of small children, and ensures you can get to it without bending down or fumbling.
Also, make sure the size fits the location you have in mind. And if you share a household, consider having separate safes—his and hers—so you’re not trying to store everything in one spot..