How to Ask for Permission to Metal Detect

I was born with a natural ability to communicate and build rapport with people, so getting permission to metal detect has always come fairly easily to me. However, I’ve come to realize that not everyone finds it as simple. Asking for permission to metal detect someone’s yard or property can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. Having spent my entire working life in sales, I’ve developed skills that make these conversations easier. Additionally, my large online presence, with hundreds of videos to showcase my legitimacy, helps build trust. But not everyone has those advantages.

The Importance of Building Rapport

The key to securing permission often lies in your ability to build rapport—after all, you’re essentially selling yourself. This is particularly important when you don’t know the person you’re asking. It’s much easier if you have a personal connection, like saying, “Hi, I’m Josh, and I used to work with your uncle back in the day. Would you be open to letting me metal detect your yard?” But if the person you’re asking doesn’t know you, you’ll need to build some rapport—even if it’s brief—to gain their trust. Sometimes this takes just 30 seconds, but other times, it can take longer.

Where to Look for Permissions

Some places are easier to access than others. Properties owned by an LLC or businesses can be excellent spots to pursue. These locations are different from residential properties, where owners may have sentimental attachments to their yards. Gaining access to a business or large tract of land owned by a company can be as simple as researching property records and sending a polite email. While this requires some effort, like finding the correct contact information, many of my best permissions have come from these types of places.

Research Tools

A great way to find property owners is by using GIS/parcel maps or apps like OnX. This information is publicly available, so don’t worry about it seeming intrusive—you’re simply doing your due diligence. I like reaching out to businesses because I can send five emails in 30 minutes and often receive a few positive responses within a few days.

When I send an email, I keep it short and respectful. I briefly explain my interest in detecting the property, emphasize that I am respectful of the land, and mention that I may have another person with me. I also assure them that I will notify them before I visit.

Approaching Homeowners

Asking residential homeowners for permission requires more finesse. Remember, these homeowners don’t know you and may feel protective of their property. One strategy I find useful is catching people outside instead of cold door-knocking. I’ll drive through older neighborhoods periodically to see if someone is working in their yard. Approaching someone outside feels less invasive than knocking on their door, and people are generally more receptive in that context. Most of us—including me—can be wary of unexpected visitors at the door.

How to Start the Conversation

A common practice in sales is to ask open-ended questions—those that require more than a simple yes or no. Asking a closed-ended question like, “Can I metal detect in your yard?” will often result in a flat “no.” Instead, open the conversation with something like, “I love your house—what year was it built?” Most people enjoy sharing the history of their home, and this type of question builds trust and rapport.

Once the conversation is flowing, you can pivot to metal detecting. I usually ask, “Has anyone ever metal detected your yard before?” This naturally leads into me explaining my passion for metal detecting and my interest in uncovering local history. Then, I ask if they would be open to letting me detect on their property.

Reassuring Property Owners

Building trust and showing respect for someone’s property are essential. If a homeowner is hesitant, I offer to show them everything I find and let them keep anything they want. Since I metal detect primarily for the experience and content, I don’t mind parting with a few silver coins if it means creating a great video. The thrill of the hunt is what I enjoy most.

Many people aren’t interested in keeping “dirty old stuff,” but I downplay the finds and avoid cleaning them too much to temper expectations. In sales terms, I manage the narrative to keep things low-pressure.

The Importance of Digging Cleanly

It’s also crucial to reassure them that you’ll leave the yard in excellent condition. Explain that you’ll fill in every hole carefully so it will be hardly noticeable, if at all. Make sure you can back this up—if you can’t dig clean, precise holes and restore the area neatly, don’t ask for permission. Leaving messy holes can ruin the reputation of metal detectorists and hurt the hobby for everyone.

Final Tips for Success

• Be Confident: Speak clearly and with purpose.

• Build Trust: Smile, be optimistic, and avoid coming across as nervous or boring.

• Show Respect: Let them know you understand and respect their concerns.

With practice, these interactions will become more natural, and you’ll increase your chances of receiving a “yes.” By being respectful, honest, and enthusiastic, you’ll not only gain permissions but also represent the metal detecting community in a positive light.