Best way to obtain permission

[AugustMoose87]

I wanted to ask some of the people with more experience how they felt was the best way to go about obtaining permission on private property. While I have had a fair amount of luck getting permission to detect publicly owned land that is closed to public access, I haven't had nearly as much luck getting on to private land.

One part of me says "be unobtrusive, and call someone first - obviously meet them in person afterwards, but out of respect, use a phone call to get a feel and THEN go knock on their door" but the other part of me says "Knocking on the door is more personable, and shows a higher level of interest/commitment". Ideally, I'd love to catch someone out in a more natural conversation, but so many of the sites I'm looking in to just don't present that option (or at least haven't yet). What has your experience been??

 

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[1942 merc]

Calling is a last resort . Knock on the door . I have been told no two times and an only when I am here deal at a property the guy does not even live at anymore . I have been told yes more than no . No sucks but it is the other persons property so it is what it is . Do not stop trying is all I can say .

 

[1942 merc]

Forgot to mention , I like to catch the owner mowing so they are already outside .

 

[Silver Saver]

Knocking is the way to go, as you said it's more personable and the person can get more of a feel of who you are and the vibe given off. It's probably a lot easier for a person to say no over the phone than it may be face to face too. I keep it short when I ask and say something like, "Hi my name is D, I metal detect for a hobby and I was wondering if you'd allow me to search your yard?" I may throw in how I love these old houses, or how you have a nice home here. And then based off their answer I may go into more detail about the hobby, or how the detector works, or techniques used. Obviously not everyone will let us search their yards but there are quite a few that will let us, and I'm always thankful when they allow me to do so.
Good luck to everyone going door knocking!

 

[scruggs]

A friend of mine made a business card saying, "Have Detector Will Travel" and presented it to the homeowner. It also had "lost items will find." It shows your sincerity. Just a thought for you. Good luck!