Metal detecting as a business?

[snowman]

Just curious....I was thinking it would be a good idea to start up a small business of finding things people have lost. I know of many people who have lost a valuable ring or other item. Of course with gas prices it would have to be in your general area, but with the price of gold these days it may be worth it to the person who lost the item, to give you a nice chunk of change for finding it for them. In order for you to even think about doing it, the person would have to know the general area in which they lost the item..not just say "my yard somewhere". Has anyone ever thought about doing this, or maybe someone is doing it, and want to share if it is worth it or not? Someone may say I will give you $300 for finding my $2000 ring or something, and many people may even give a bit in gas money if they think you may find this for them. It may be worth it! What do you think?

 

[dobbie]

There would have to be some kind of paper work written up that you will still get paid regardless if you find the item or not. There is no guarentee the item will be recovered and the " client" would have to understand this up front. I would hate to spend all day looking for something lost and not get paid because i didnt find it. :| . That to me would be a waste of my time. so say there is a set price up front for "looking for it" like a down payment if you will, and a set price after if the item is retreived. Shouldnt be too much more or the "client" would feel scammed. The price shouldnt be based on the value of the item either. That way if it is something really valuable the "client" will feel they got a deal for paying the same price as someone who say ..lost a set of keys. Keep it fair. Thats my thoughts on this subject for what it is worth.

 

[jim tn]

I personally know of no one that does md as a business, but have read on some of the forums of a few that rent out their services when asked. If I wasn't retired, I would not quit my day job to go into md as a business. To me, it is a great hobby and that is the way I want it to stay. What you might do, though, is make your md business known (flyers and business cards) and have a set rate in mind for one hour of hunting time and then do the searching in the evenings and this might give you some idea just how much interest there might be out there for your service. Good luck! HH jim tn

 

[Daniel A.]

Here is a guy that does that same thing in Vancouver BC. Dan

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/laf/774100563.html

 

[Docwalker]

Excellent Site.

I liked the TREASURES Link

and the TV INTERVIEWS (one is 14 minute on TV!)

If you should become interested in doing MD for a living, Check out http://www.lostjewellery.com/

Either the person is doing well, has money in the bank or a rich uncle. Starting this year
15% of his revenue goes to charity.

Interesting

Doc