BEST WAY TO GET PREMISSION?????

[nleet22]

I need some new lines to use to ask permission to detect on someones property..my approach only worked one out of ten times..what do u guys and gals say to a home owner or business to ease the whole im going to dig holes in your lawn thing.
do u offer to split your finds?

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges - Grab it through Amazon!

[Old Dude]

The last place I stopped to ask permission, the father of the actual owner says " Sure ya can. I don't see why not, but to be legit, better ask my son. He is inside." I actually ended up giving HIM permission to say "no", lol. It made me uncomfortable to see him squirming so trying to think of a polite way to tell me no. I just looked at him and said " It's ok. You can tell me no". I then apologized for bothering him. The father seemed speechless, lol.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Minelab PRO-FIND 35 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector for Experts with Tone ID & Adjustable Sensitivity - Grab it through Amazon!

[DigIron2]

My business card front side copied the logo from my club membership and provide my name and phone number, after all I am not going to steal from them only reason they will call me is next time they loose a ring or their car keys ... and back side has part of my club motto ...

View attachment 936929

Hell of a Idea!Looks professional,and responsible

 

[ronbo22]

"Do you mid if I detect in yo yard?

 

[Pointman]

Yesterday was a success story for me:

I promised my usual hunting partner that I would get us on some ground and I don't like to break promises so this motivates me to ask people. I have great luck in asking businesses for permission to hunt their grounds, so that is where I started. I was able to ask to businesses and one business allowed me to hunt additional lots that they had. While I was hunting one lot, the neighbor asked me if I had permission to hunt there. One things leads to another and I get permission to hunt her yard. Then I learned that a neighboring yard is owned by someone else who owns a business up the street. I will save that for next time.

Last week I ran into someone who I got to know through asking her if I could hunt her yard. She wouldn't allow me to dig in her yard, but we got to know each other because I was able to detect her neighbor's yard and we would spend time visiting while I was there. She stopped me to let me know that her adjacent neighbor lost her house and moved out and the bank would probably let me detect if I would ask. I did a record search online and got the bank information and called them and they were ok with me detecting. I was able to find some neat relics in the small yard.

Moral is to always use one opportunity to lead to another. Be friendly and interested in people and it will pay off.

I run about a 90% success rate (knocking on wood) at getting permission and I think it is mostly because I come off as benign as I can, and I am more interested in people then finding treasures in their yards and people know this.

 

[Ahab8]

I always know every bit of the history of a site before I ask. I know family names and dates of construction. Gain as much knowledge as you can. This shows that you have a real knowledge and interest in the history of someone's house. You don't want to come off as some random weirdo that just popped in to dig up there yard. If you can get someone talking about the history you're halfway home. You absolutely have to tell them that they can see all of your finds and work something out. I actually tell them that they can take whatever they want . Without them you get nothing . I also ask them if there's anywhere on the property they would allow me to detect. They may not want you in the front yard. But trust me if you find something in the back yard, they'll invite you to hit the front eventually. Good luck

 

[wayfas4u]

I am forever learning this 'asking permission' approach. It's kinda like asking a girl out, you are either gonna get a yes or a no, but it's all in the approach!! Thankfully I am happily married now! I never ask over the phone, too easy to get turned down. I've learned to be decently dressed and my first approach is to NOT have my metal detector on me or any other tools. Just being myself I ask their permission to metal detect their property because I understand their is some history there. I even have some paperwork with me to let them know i've done some research, and it's not a bad idea to have a few coins, buttons etc. to show them what you are interested in. I have 2 metal detectors and I think I'm going to offer to let them use my extra one even if they do not know how. I try to remember I am their guest. Any thing I find I will offer to show them. I always try to talk with them about the history of the area and I always follow up with a sincere thank you.

 

[ggossage]

Different parts of the country (US) get different results. I live in the midwest and have, I'd guess, about a 90% success rate. Don't knock on holidays when family visits are expected. Dress for digging, but be respectable. Don't smoke or chew. Don't carry your machine and tools to the door. Approach by yourself, not with a hunting partner. Knock, wait with your back to the door until you hear someone coming to the door...do not look in windows. Put a smile on your face and be clear, concise and polite. Tell the person(s) your name (and your buddy's name if he/she is waiting in the car), where you're from, where you work (or go to school) and that you're out metal detecting, which is a hobby of yours whenever you can find time from chores, work or school to get out....use the word hobby every single time. That's it, expect a yes, or a no, or a let me ask my husband/wife or some questions. Be prepared for questions. Do you dig? Yes, but I have a professional tool that cuts a very small plug (enact with your hands), I pull out the circular plug, pull out whatever was in the hole, replace the plug, and you can't even see it. Carry some of your dirty coins with you so you can show them what kinds of things you find...some people always ask that question. What if you find anything good/valuable? Ma'am, Sir, this is your property and I'm out here because I love finding history. I will show you everything I find, and what you don't want, I'll keep. Do you mind splitting 50/50? That works for me, I'll show you everything I find. If you get the go ahead, be respectful of the property, pets and people, because word-of-mouth travels fast, and that can either help or hurt you. Dress up your holes as you go, don't wait to do it at the end...use a towel, plastic, frisbee, etc to put your dirt on so you can actually be proud of not leaving a trace. Use your success at one house to go to the neighbor's house--use the same approach, but start with, "I was just at Mr & Mrs Jone's house next door and..." It always helps to have an icebreaker.

If you get a "no," just say ok, but before I leave, can I ask you if you know what the history of this neighborhood is? Do you happen to know what year the houses on this block were built? These look about like turn of the century homes, is that about right? Hopefully you'll get a knowledgeable response, which sometimes can lead to a "no" becoming a "yes." Each situation is different, and being able to read tone and body language is a key talent that'll come with experience.

There are hundreds of suggestions, but you get the picture...good luck!

 

[xrunndonex]

Different parts of the country (US) get different results. I live in the midwest and have, I'd guess, about a 90% success rate. Don't knock on holidays when family visits are expected. Dress for digging, but be respectable. Don't smoke or chew. Don't carry your machine and tools to the door. Approach by yourself, not with a hunting partner. Knock, wait with your back to the door until you hear someone coming to the door...do not look in windows. Put a smile on your face and be clear, concise and polite. Tell the person(s) your name (and your buddy's name if he/she is waiting in the car), where you're from, where you work (or go to school) and that you're out metal detecting, which is a hobby of yours whenever you can find time from chores, work or school to get out....use the word hobby every single time. That's it, expect a yes, or a no, or a let me ask my husband/wife or some questions. Be prepared for questions. Do you dig? Yes, but I have a professional tool that cuts a very small plug (enact with your hands), I pull out the circular plug, pull out whatever was in the hole, replace the plug, and you can't even see it. Carry some of your dirty coins with you so you can show them what kinds of things you find...some people always ask that question. What if you find anything good/valuable? Ma'am, Sir, this is your property and I'm out here because I love finding history. I will show you everything I find, and what you don't want, I'll keep. Do you mind splitting 50/50? That works for me, I'll show you everything I find. If you get the go ahead, be respectful of the property, pets and people, because word-of-mouth travels fast, and that can either help or hurt you. Dress up your holes as you go, don't wait to do it at the end...use a towel, plastic, frisbee, etc to put your dirt on so you can actually be proud of not leaving a trace. Use your success at one house to go to the neighbor's house--use the same approach, but start with, "I was just at Mr & Mrs Jone's house next door and..." It always helps to have an icebreaker.

If you get a "no," just say ok, but before I leave, can I ask you if you know what the history of this neighborhood is? Do you happen to know what year the houses on this block were built? These look about like turn of the century homes, is that about right? Hopefully you'll get a knowledgeable response, which sometimes can lead to a "no" becoming a "yes." Each situation is different, and being able to read tone and body language is a key talent that'll come with experience.

There are hundreds of suggestions, but you get the picture...good luck!

Where you live? I'm getting a MD soon and may be detecting 7 blocks the oldest part of the town 1920s I think. Its all owned by a company after a event destroyed all the houses.
If it is close to me I'll pm you rather pm to keep in low key so no one takes the turf lol.

 

[BigWaveDave]

GG...that is the best advice I've ever read on tnet, well done sir, I'll print that and use for future reference, if ya don't mind.

 

[Uncle Jeff]

Well agree Gazoo, excellent advice .. I liked your comment .. and OMG Gazoo .. man that makes me old I remember him LOL

 

[FreeBirdTim]

The number one place I'd give anything to metal detect is my late grandmother's property. The house was built in the 1780's and was in my family up until about 25 years ago. My aunt had to sell it because the house was a money pit and the taxes were wiping her out.

It's on about five acres of land with a huge field that was used to plant crops every year. There was also a barn on the property as well. That was torn down in the early 1970's, but I remember exactly where it was located.

I would love to ask permission, but I'm not very outgoing and I kind of look like a serial killer! LOL! I was thinking about bribery as a way to get permission. I'd pay the owner $10 for every hour I was there (or something like that). What do you think? Would offering a hourly cash payout to detect on the property work?

 

[Ahab8]

The number one place I'd give anything to metal detect is my late grandmother's property. The house was built in the 1780's and was in my family up until about 25 years ago. My aunt had to sell it because the house was a money pit and the taxes were wiping her out. It's on about five acres of land with a huge field that was used to plant crops every year. There was also a barn on the property as well. That was torn down in the early 1970's, but I remember exactly where it was located. I would love to ask permission, but I'm not very outgoing and I kind of look like a serial killer! LOL! I was thinking about bribery as a way to get permission. I'd pay the owner $10 for every hour I was there (or something like that). What do you think? Would offering a hourly cash payout to detect on the property work?

I personally don't think that's the approach to go with. I would simply explain who you are and why the property is do important to you. Give as many details as you can(names of the various owners over the years and also any important events). If you don't feel comfortable going to the door you can always write a nice letter to the owner. Letters allow you to take your time and put down everything you'd like to say without getting nervous. I have done this before because the property owner was a very grumpy old fishing boat captain with a gated driveway and a reputation for firing off his shotgun if anyone was out on his property. He said yes and with the significance of that site to you and your family you have a great chance of them saying yes. Good luck and I hope this helps

 

[matt092079]

Yeah. Don't start forking over cash to detect. Although it is hard to make that approach and even though you may get 50 no's to 1 yes, that's okay. It is their land and they have the right to say no, whether you would hurt anything or not. A friend and me went doorknocking Thursday and had 2 no's, 1 possibly in the spring and another maybe. Just the way it goes! It's not an easy hobby unless you're unethical and trespass which just isn't worth it to me for a coin or a bullet. You can always get it the right and conscience free way!

 

[Pointman]

The number one place I'd give anything to metal detect is my late grandmother's property. The house was built in the 1780's and was in my family up until about 25 years ago. My aunt had to sell it because the house was a money pit and the taxes were wiping her out.

It's on about five acres of land with a huge field that was used to plant crops every year. There was also a barn on the property as well. That was torn down in the early 1970's, but I remember exactly where it was located.

I would love to ask permission, but I'm not very outgoing and I kind of look like a serial killer! LOL! I was thinking about bribery as a way to get permission. I'd pay the owner $10 for every hour I was there (or something like that). What do you think? Would offering a hourly cash payout to detect on the property work?

I don't offer anything, unless I am asked. If I feel that I need to make it a "win win", then I ask someone how long that they been on the property and if they say a long time, then I offer to show them anything significant, like something with someone's name. I will also ask if they have lost jewelry and offer to find it for them. This makes me feel like they win out also.

Just go up and ask. The worse that they will do is tell you no. If it would help, take someone with you. To soften your image, bring a kid along.

Two things that I have had to work through to feel like I deserved to detect places:

1. Not everyone wants something for allowing you to hunt. Most people don't care or are just curious on what you will find
2. Detecting is a recreation and it isn't like we are littering or damaging property. I had a talk with someone and he felt guilty when he went detecting as if he shouldn't be at a place or digging, and this held him back from asking.

Bottom line: You deserve to be there detecting if you have permission. Feel entitled, but don't let entitlement go to your head.

 

[Michellets]

I ask them if they would like daffodil, or crocus bulbs planted in the holes I dig... I always have a bag of bulbs ready!!

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Okay, no cash offers! I'll drive by there when it get's warmer and see who lives there. I was thinking about bringing a few photos I have of my grandparents standing in front of the house back in the 1940's. Maybe they would enjoy seeing old photos of the house.

 

[Ahab8]

Okay, no cash offers! I'll drive by there when it get's warmer and see who lives there. I was thinking about bringing a few photos I have of my grandparents standing in front of the house back in the 1940's. Maybe they would enjoy seeing old photos of the house.

Absolutely! It will show that the property has special meaning to you and that you have a personal connection

 

[nleet22]

Say ur grandparents lost a wedding ring or something and u hope to recover it

 

[Ahab8]

No offense to anyone but I would just be honest and not make up any stories. Just be honest! I'm sure you don't like to be lied to and no one else does either. Regardless of what they say you can still feel good about yourself

 

[roaddust66]

the future is networking. Gone are the days of knocking on a door. Ive done my share of that. And Ive done my share of sweet talking but it sure was hard work. Like the lady in Adairsville Ga. standing her door with a knife in her hand or the little old lady in Woodbury Tennessee who had a baseball bat behind her back. I could see the writing on the bat just above her shoulder ( Mickey Mantle ) ...oh well , its a different world now. My advice to you is to network. Join every club and organization in town and get to know people. That is the future. Doesnt hurt to brag on their dogs eeeeeither.....

by the way , the lady with the knife let us hunt and we did well. I might go back and try to find that farm again sometime. And the lady in Woodbury with the baseball bat actually invited five men , dirty , in camo , into her home for lunch.... but it sure was hard work