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Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 8:56 am
by Gentlemanmike
Hi everyone

I have managed to obtain details of several farms in my area that might have fields to detect in and have decided on the written approach rather than cold calling.

However, my attempts so far don't sound right so I was wondering whether those of you who have been successful using this method could give me some pointers as to what I should say in these letters.

Many thanks

Michael Chappell

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 9:48 am
by Old Git John
Hi Michael, and welcome.

Most do not find writing letters gives very good results, but , prefer the "cold calling" method.
This is because farmers/landowners are busy people, who actually do like to come face to face
with anyone wishing to use their land, for any reason.
I know that crops are now coming out, so you will need to try to get your timing right, and may
need to call a couple of times.
You may get a few rejections, and have to take them on the chin, thank the farmer/landowner
for their time, and, it will not do too much harm to politely ask if they would mind you calling
again some time in the future.
You are at an advantageous state at present, because one of your opening things can be to
introduce yours self, and telling the person that you are new to the hobby, and have just got
your first metal detector, enquiring whether they would kindly allow you to detect on their land,
to help you to learn how to use it.
If you have not yet done so, I would suggest that you join a club as soon as possible, and either
join NCMD or FID, both of which give you public liability insurance cover, at a very low cost per
year. Again the farmers/landowners like to know that you are covered against accidental
damage etc., plus of course, should you want to attend any rallies it is essential for you to be
a member of one or the other, to be allowed to attend.
Arm your self with any books on detecting you can get hold of, go to your local museum to
get hold of leaflets on the Treasure Act 1996, and codes of practice, they will also be able to
give you information on conservation.
I have only scratched the surface, but others will add information which will be of help to you.
All the very best, and just stay calm when you chat to these folk, it will make your chances
much greater.

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 10:33 am
by Deetektor
The only advice I would give is: Go dressed reasonably smart, dressed in camo gear
might give the wrong impression.
Maybe take the wife or girlfriend with you, as you'll be less likely to get any verbal abuse.

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 10:56 am
by philthedigger
Deetektor wrote: Maybe take the wife or girlfriend with you
Preferably in a low cut top and tight jeans, but unfortunately that definitely wouldn't work with my Mrs. :hahaha:

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 11:18 am
by Old Git John
Deetektor wrote:The only advice I would give is: Go dressed reasonably smart, dressed in camo gear
might give the wrong impression.
Maybe take the wife or girlfriend with you, as you'll be less likely to get any verbal abuse.

Unless the girlfriend turns out to be the farmers daughter :hahaha:

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 11:30 am
by popsandme
Old Git John wrote:
Deetektor wrote:The only advice I would give is: Go dressed reasonably smart, dressed in camo gear
might give the wrong impression.
Maybe take the wife or girlfriend with you, as you'll be less likely to get any verbal abuse.

Unless the girlfriend turns out to be the farmers daughter :hahaha:
Or worse....... his wife :hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha:

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 11:32 am
by popsandme
popsandme wrote:
Old Git John wrote:
Deetektor wrote:The only advice I would give is: Go dressed reasonably smart, dressed in camo gear
might give the wrong impression.
Maybe take the wife or girlfriend with you, as you'll be less likely to get any verbal abuse.

Unless the girlfriend turns out to be the farmers daughter :hahaha:
Or worse....... his wife :hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha:
Or worse still.....his Mother :hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha:

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 2:56 pm
by deepseeker
or one of his sheep....

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 3:22 pm
by Old Git John
deepseeker wrote:or one of his sheep....
:hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha:

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 4:45 pm
by bodvoc
Getting back to your original post, I think that most of us would agree that a face to face meeting with the farmer is much more likely to lead to permission than a letter.
Timing though, is crucial. As is what you say and your appearance.

I truly believe that most people decide yay or nay within 25 seconds, so in that time you will need to pitch an affable, friendly request, getting to the point quickly, while projecting an honest interest not only in his land but in general, and hope that you spike him (or her) enough to swing permission. Hope this helps!! :g50:

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 5:50 pm
by Tony Miller
Good advice from John.

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 8:12 pm
by PhilD
I usually take another club member with me when looking for land for the club as I find this less intimidating.

They can help get the savage dog off me :g42:

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 9:38 pm
by meandmydreams
Well said John.

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 4:50 am
by Gentlemanmike
Thanks indeed for your help (and the laughs!)

Re: Applying for permission to detect

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:30 pm
by Tony Miller
Old Git John wrote:
Deetektor wrote:The only advice I would give is: Go dressed reasonably smart, dressed in camo gear
might give the wrong impression.
Maybe take the wife or girlfriend with you, as you'll be less likely to get any verbal abuse.

Unless the girlfriend turns out to be the farmers daughter :hahaha:
:hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha: