Want to be a treasure hunter and get paid for it? then I assure you in How to Make Money Metal Detecting: The Ultimate Guide that you are about to be schooled on making money with my favorite hobby.
Take it from someone who lives and breathes metal detecting and even take my kids out to scour the Welsh land for treasure. This is one great hobby and the bonus is that if the treasure is valuable, it can be great.
DISCLAIMER: Most of the finds you will come across will probably end up being TRASH so don’t think this is a get-rich-quick idea because if anything it’s quite the opposite. But we detectorists love our hobby.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to make money metal detecting.
Metal detecting is a hobby that has become increasingly popular over the years, and it is a great way to discover hidden treasures and make some money on the side.
In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to get started with metal detecting and make some extra cash.
Learn From A Seasonal Semi Professional Like Myself
Here are some awesome tips to help get you started in this world of metal detecting which will either do two things to you; make you or break your depression and sadness.
I personally think if you don’t end up rich mentally from this great hobby, you will at the very least end up broke but eternally happy and enriched with a love and appreciation for the land.
Plus, you could end up being super fit coz this hobby demands lots of physical exercise and hell of a lot of holes being dug unless you strike it lucky and end up with treasure on your first hole.Â
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So Where Do I Start From If I am New?
As with everything in life when starting something out, you have to start at the beginning like everyone else and the more you get out there and do it, the more chance you have of striking it rich.
Here are a few great tips to help get you started but try and stay legal when starting out with metal detecting here in the UK as there are laws in place in every county in the UK like i am sure there would be in the USA.
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1. Research the best metal detecting locations
The first step in making money with metal detecting is to research the best locations. It’s important to know where to go if you want to find valuable items.
Beaches, parks, and historical sites are all popular places for metal detecting. But be sure to obtain permission before detecting on private property.
2. Invest in quality equipment
Investing in quality metal detecting equipment can make a huge difference in your success. You’ll want to choose a detector that’s suited to the type of detecting you’ll be doing, whether it’s on land or in water.
Look for a detector with features like target ID, depth indicator, and discrimination control. Additionally, make sure to purchase headphones so you can hear faint signals.
3. Join a metal detecting club
Joining a metal detecting club is a great way to learn more about the hobby and meet other like-minded enthusiasts. Clubs often hold regular meetings and events, which can provide opportunities to learn from more experienced detectorists.
You may also gain access to exclusive detecting locations that are only available to club members.
4. Sell your finds online
One of the most common ways to make money with metal detecting is to sell your finds online. There are many online marketplaces where you can list your items for sale, such as eBay, Etsy, and Amazon.
Be sure to research the value of your items before listing them to ensure you’re pricing them competitively.
If the item(s) you find look old, make sure you declare it with your local FLO (finds liaison officer) who will send your items off for investigation and if they are declared as the treasure you will in most cases be given a finders fee plus have your treasure displayed at a great museum.Â
5. Offer metal detecting services
Another way to make money with metal detecting is to offer your services to others. You could offer to search for lost items, such as jewelry or keys, for a fee.
You could also offer your detecting services to property owners who want to locate buried pipes or other underground objects.
Advertise your services online or through local classified ads to attract potential clients.
6. Attend metal detecting events
Attending metal detecting events, such as rallies and competitions, is a great way to meet other detectorists and potentially find valuable items. These events often have prize categories for specific finds, such as the oldest coin or the most unusual item.
The prizes can range from small cash amounts to metal detecting equipment.
7. Research metal detecting laws and regulations
It’s important to be familiar with metal detecting laws and regulations in your area before you start detecting. Some areas may be off-limits to metal detecting, and there may be restrictions on the types of items you can search for.
Additionally, it’s important to obtain any necessary permits or permissions before detecting on public or private property.
Make Money Metal Detecting With Daz
Here are a few resources in the UK for anyone wishing to get started in metal detecting.
- Metal Detecting Facebook groups are a great place to start like I did when I first took up this hobby.Â
- Metal Detecting UK Laws & Code of practice is a great website that will help you even further with finding out about everything to do with this great hobby.
- Metal Detectors Guide is one of the best guides out there that will help every beginner to get started and show you what you need to do to start this amazing hobby.
- NCMD – If you want to be official and become a member like me and my wife are of this great council, you will get a few perks plus some clubs want to see them to be accepted.
- Great Forum that can help you with any question you may have about anything metal detecting related.
This is all you need to research before you get out there to scour the grounds for treasure that could be yours to keep for yourself (subject to obviously the Treasure Act).
For the actual machines themselves, if you want my personal opinion on getting the best machine then i would always pick any machine by Minelab.
I personally own a Vanquish and they are perfect for what i use it for but i may upgrade to the Equinox over the coming year as i have heard they are much better.
I always buy my gear from LP Metal Detecting as they are the best and always deliver quickly and have some great offers on their website.
Visit them here https://www.lpmetaldetecting.com/
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What Metal Detecting Gear Do I Need?
All you need to get started with this great hobby isÂ
- Metal Detector – Anything by Minelab or Garrett
- Pin Pointer (carrot)Â – Same as above
- Finds Box – Most metal detecting sites sell themÂ
- Spade – you find one in B & Q for under £10
- Headphones – The last thing you want to hear is carsÂ
- Large bag/holdall – Simply to carry every last accessory
- Water Bottle – You will need it for hydration and cleaning finds
Find all the above and more in my favourite metal detecting supplier LP Metal DetectingÂ
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Conclusion
In conclusion, metal detecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby with many opportunities to make money and uncover valuable items.
By following local regulations, researching your detecting location, and using the right gear and techniques, you can become a successful detectorist and enjoy all that metal detecting has to offer.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How can I make money with metal detecting in the UK?
There are many ways to make money with metal detecting in the UK, including selling your finds online, offering detecting services, attending events, participating in archaeological surveys, and creating a YouTube channel.
What kind of metal detector do I need to start detecting?
The type of metal detector you need depends on your experience level, budget, and the types of targets you’re looking for. Entry-level detectors are typically affordable and easy to use, while more advanced models offer more features and capabilities.
Where can I legally metal detect in the UK?
Metal detecting is legal in the UK, but you must have the landowner’s permission to detect on private land. It is also illegal to detect on protected archaeological sites, so be sure to check with local authorities before detecting in any area.
What are the best places to metal detect in the UK?
Some popular places to metal detect in the UK include beaches, parks, old houses, and historical sites. However, the best places to detect will depend on your location and personal preferences.
What types of items can I expect to find while metal detecting?
Metal detecting can uncover a wide range of items, including coins, jewellery, relics, and other historical artifacts. The types of items you find will depend on your detecting location and the age of the area.
How do I sell my metal detecting finds online?
There are many online marketplaces where you can sell your metal detecting finds, such as eBay, Etsy, and Amazon. You can also sell directly to collectors or metal detecting enthusiasts through online forums and social media groups.
How can I improve my metal detecting skills?
Practising regularly, researching detecting techniques, and networking with other detectorists are great ways to improve your metal detecting skills. You can also attend detecting classes or watch instructional videos online.
What kind of protective gear do I need while metal detecting?
Wearing protective gear while metal detecting can help keep you safe and comfortable. Some essential gear includes sturdy footwear, gloves, a hat, and sunscreen.
Can I detect on public land in the UK?
In general, detecting on public land in the UK is legal as long as it is not a protected site. However, be sure to check with local authorities to confirm any restrictions or regulations.
How can I join a metal detecting club in the UK?
There are many metal detecting clubs in the UK, and joining one can be a great way to meet other detectorists and learn new skills. You can find local clubs by searching online or contacting metal detecting associations.