Good approach for permission?

[Willieg]

I don't have any permissions for metal detecting. Asking all you guy's the best approach for asking. I dig good clean plugs but ha ve not ask anyone yet for permission. Before I start out asking would like some tips from my metal detecting family.

 

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[smokeythecat]

I think my best phrase is "look for old stuff with my metal detector" and see what's in your (lawn) (field). Important point, since I live in God's country, if they have a farm stand (lots do) or are having a yard sale, buy something. At a farm stand, make yourself a regular. I did. Got 300 acres now to look at this spring.

 

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[trdking]

If you have a supermodel girlfriend have her ask

Jeff, Are you insinuating that Smoke only gets her permissions because she is a supermodel?

 

[mindcrime1988]

A few things. Do not wear camo. Dress as close to business casual as possible. You can change later. Be well groomed. If you look like you've just come from the set of "Deliverance" or "Grizzly Adams", you're done before you start. Appearance is everything. If you present yourself well, it will go a long way. You don't want to look like someone casing the place for a robbery. Don't look past the person into their house. It's probably a mess anyway.

Introduce yourself and don't "motor mouth". Talk at a reasonable pace, yes we're excited about a new permission but don't come off as aggressive.

Explain what you are looking for, maybe have a few wheat pennies, dug, to show them.

I also make a deal with every landowner whose property I have dug. Which is: If I happen to find something like a gold cache, we will split it 50/50. Explain it almost never happens, but you never know. And of course do it. I have never dug a gold cache.

A well planned out thought about what you will say is important. Always mention the machines don't go deep (some people think we're going to dig 3 foot holes in the ground). And if you pull out a SMALL digging tool that doesn't look threatening to the grass, all the better. Explain there will be no visible holes. When you leave, it will look like you were never there. Explain the way YOU dig a SHALLOW (hint hint, key words here) hole the grass is not damaged. Even if the person says no, thank them. Make sure throughout the conversation you make solid eye contact.

It's called ACTING!

All of this is great advice but there is one item I do not totally agree with. I personally do not see an issue with wearing camo to approach homeowners. This could actually be a benefit. If the homeowner is a veteran AND (I stress this) you are a veteran as well, this could be a great conversation starter to get that nod to go detecting around their property. Speaking as a veteran myself, military folks have that special camaraderie which they can relate to and helps to ease tension in getting to know somebody. Now if you are not a veteran, then I do not suggest wearing camo for that first introduction. You shouldn't look like Rambo asking to tear somebody's property up.

 

[dirtdigginfool]

A LOT of great advice here, folks...that's why I love this site...a question that pops up every week or so but everyone jumps in and offers their experience, strength and hope. Kudos to all...Ddf

 

[TerryC]

Just ask. If 10% will say yes, that's one hit for every ten tries. If you ask 100, that's an average of ten hits. Approach the first bunch of "asks" as "practice". Use the mindset that you will get no most of the time. Then hone the request conversations that get the best results. Talk up your passion to EVERYONE. Most will relate to losing something or know someone that lost something. I would NOT suggest splitting 50/50. You are then required to "perform" and your reputation as a successful recovery person is now on the line. They may follow you around like a puppy dog to make sure you keep your end of the agreement. It's really not "cold calling" if you talk up and get permission from family, friends, grocer, mailman, etc. Like Trump said, "What the hell have you got to lose?" ╦╦Ç

 

[Willieg]

Just ask. If 10% will say yes, that's one hit for every ten tries. If you ask 100, that's an average of ten hits. Approach the first bunch of "asks" as "practice". Use the mindset that you will get no most of the time. Then hone the request conversations that get the best results. Talk up your passion to EVERYONE. Most will relate to losing something or know someone that lost something. I would NOT suggest splitting 50/50. You are then required to "perform" and your reputation as a successful recovery person is now on the line. They may follow you around like a puppy dog to make sure you keep your end of the agreement. It's really not "cold calling" if you talk up and get permission from family, friends, grocer, mailman, etc. Like Trump said, "What the hell have you got to lose?" ╦╦Ç

Thanks Terry, great advice and will keep that in mind.

 

[HighVDI]

Just tell them you pre-ordered an Equinox and you're guaranteed a yes.


I always start off by introducing myself and explain that I'm a local.....or kinda local. Also that I'm intrigued by history and this is a hobby. I went on a door knocking spree last winter/spring and I'd estimate it was 60-70% a yes.

I also noticed that the more I did it the smoother they were getting. A little confidence came about quick. If you see other home owners out be nice and strike up a conversation. Could be more grass to cover!

 

[Willieg]

Just tell them you pre-ordered an Equinox and you're guaranteed a yes.


I always start off by introducing myself and explain that I'm a local.....or kinda local. Also that I'm intrigued by history and this is a hobby. I went on a door knocking spree last winter/spring and I'd estimate it was 60-70% a yes.

I also noticed that the more I did it the smoother they were getting. A little confidence came about quick. If you see other home owners out be nice and strike up a conversation. Could be more grass to cover!

Thanks vdi... I have to give it a shot this weekend. Wish me luck!

 

[sprailroad]

All of this is great advice but there is one item I do not totally agree with. I personally do not see an issue with wearing camo to approach homeowners. This could actually be a benefit. If the homeowner is a veteran AND (I stress this) you are a veteran as well, this could be a great conversation starter to get that nod to go detecting around their property. Speaking as a veteran myself, military folks have that special camaraderie which they can relate to and helps to ease tension in getting to know somebody. Now if you are not a veteran, then I do not suggest wearing camo for that first introduction. You shouldn't look like Rambo asking to tear somebody's property up.

That may work around the say, Ft. Polk, or Ft. Knox, Ft. Sill or Parris Island areas, but in any town USA, perhaps not. The Veteran idea is covered by me simply by wearing a baseball style cap with the word "Veteran" across the front. Sweet but simple. I'm not on a mission, I just want to metal detect.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

...do not use the word "Dig". Right away the owner thinks of "Holes" in their yard, instead use the term "Recover", it really does sound better. ....

Aaahhh, but that's "mincing words". That's being "less than forthcoming". eh ? haha

A fellow did exactly as you suggested, at a city hall somewhere (thinking he "needed permission" to hunt parks). They said "sure go ahead". Later, when he was griped at for digging in a coin, he gleefully pulled out his "permission". The griper got on his cell-phone, called city hall , to discuss this "permission". Whereupon the md'r was verbally reprimanded and threatened with legal action for having gotten permission under false pretenses, blah blah. The md'r was sent away, made to feel like a criminal.

So guess what he mused he should do at the next "permission" he would seek ? BE SURE TO MENTION "HOLES" AND "DIG". Which are sure-fire permission killers, eh ?