Got sprinkled out today so went hunting

[NH Bob]

Drove around a bit and got permission to do 2 small fields. The house dates 1600s and the fields are next to a lake just across the road. So the potential is there. All I had with me was my Explorer and my ML800 which only measures 7 1/2".

I poked around a little and found the soil very quiet. Targets were scarce at best. Only stayed for little over 1/2 an hour. Detecting a field with that coil is like painting a wall with a Q-Tip. I'm definitely going back. Here is my best find for the Half hour hunt.

Gotta love this hobby.
[attachment 91804 WB.JPG]

 

[BlackX]

What in the world is that, Bob?

How do you usually go about asking folks? (I'm pretty reticent so I haven't done that at all yet, although I keep thinking about it.) Do you say roughly the same thing to start it out?

 

[NH Bob]

Being the old fart that I am makes it that much easier. I leave my Grumpy face in the truck and put on a happy smile.
I walk up to who ever and with that big smile say" Hi who are you today, my name is Bob Lewis and I do metal detecting for a hobby." Then I either say "got the day off today and was out looking for a place to check out." or "Every time I drive by here this nice old house really intrigues me and I was wondering if I could do a little detecting here?" If asked what I'm looking for, I say " I love old buttons and once in a while I might find an old coin" The conversation usually ends there or they might say "what if you find a gold coin." I come back with "every body says the same thing and I've never found one yet. But if I find any Jewelery you can have it."
Just play it by ear. 9 out of 10 will let me dig holes in there lawn. This is the only hobby in the world that you can walk up to a perfect stranger and they let you dig up there lawns.
It's body language and attitude.

 

[Armydude757]

Well I guess I have a few years to wait, being 25 even with a happy face I have only gotten permission 1 out of about 20 times asking hehe. It also maybe because around here everybody and there brother has a detector so they prob get asked that question on a regular basis.

I can say that my exp up in good ol' New Hampshire was wonderful, the people seem very nice and welcoming up there, more curious one whats to find then anything.

Nice find, keep up great work!

 

[NH Bob]

Is the handle Armydude for real or just something you liked the sound of?

 

[SNOWY]

Old guys eh !!!


Say; I'm an ol' phart too,
I just might give that charmed ~ warm friendly approach a go also !!!

Thanks for sharing Bob...

Ya know, sometimes I take myself through the possible scenario, and decide that things could go wrong...
I back off, never ask, and have surely missed a golden opportunity !!!

Good luck to you !

 

[NH Bob]

n/t

 

[SNOWY]

 

[digitrich]

The key to sales is always what's in it for me. Ask them if they have ever wondered what took place on their property years ago, what secrets are waiting to be uncovered. I have a customer I did work for on the house he grew up in and I asked him if I could metal detect the yard as it was a 1920 build and he said sure. I found a bunch of coins and stuff and a gold plated pen with his name on it. About a month later, I was in his store and asked for him and was told he was at his mother's funeral, and I gave the pen to his manager who passed it on to him later that night. Ended up the pen was a graduation gift from his mother nearly 50 years earlier and handed back to him on the day of his mother's funeral. When you ask permission to dig up someones lawn, ask them if they ever lost something, need help to find the lot lines, the water stop box, etc. And don't just go in cherry picking the silver, dig the odd signals that maybe their dead mother's broach, their oldest son's match box car who's now 45. Show them what you find, what's junk to you may bring them to joyous tears. When you ask permission, find a common ground like gas prices, "In fact the reason I am specifically asking your permission in this yard is because I am trying to find closer places to enjoy my hobby with gas prices what they are". Compliment them on their yard and tell them, "I see you take extreme care with your yard and so will I, in most cases I remove a coffee can of rusted junk everyday." Give them a card with your phone number and address on it, or at least a piece of paper with that info and tell them if they ever have a concern or should want to rescind their gracious offer that all they need to do is call. Talk to them like you would talk to an old friend because if you do they will become your NEW friend and if you treat them right and honestly they will eventually become your old friend.

 

[NH Bob]

[attachment 92177 COINS158.jpg]

 

[digitrich]

What's a matter Bob, don't want me to have your phone number? The other thing I forgot to mention with giving your number is that they may have a friend who's drive is being replaced, or side walk being removed, etc. It may produce another lead.

 

[NH Bob]

If I tell you, I'll have to kill you.
[attachment 92178 qt6j1197248199.jpg]

 

[mattockman]

n/t

 

[NH Bob]

n/t

 

[mclucky]

n/t

 

[SNOWY]

Good stuff Digitrich !

It's all in the approach, then how you conduct yourself...

 

[SNOWY]

WTG Bob....

Nice, plain, clear, no - nonsense card...

Tells people who you are, and how to contact you.

~ It delivers credibility.

 

[SNOWY]

Aahh,
I see why you didn't include your picture on your card Bob...

 

[NH Bob]

n/t

 

[NH Bob]

[attachment 92300 BIGLAUGH.JPG]