Is metal detecting worth it? The answer to that question will depend on your purpose for engaging in this hobby in the first place. At the same time, this is also the part when many people are debating why they got into this activity. Some people do it purely as a hobby; for leisure purposes and to have something to do that they enjoy during their leisure time. For a few others, they have become so serious about it that they look at it as a source of income.
If you belong to the first category, then the answer is yes. As long as you enjoy metal detecting, then it is absolutely worth it. If you are in the latter category, it will depend on how successful you are with your treasure hunting.
Before you embark on this activity, make sure you fully understand what this hobby entails. It will help you come to an understanding of why many are so invested in this activity.
Is Metal Detecting Worth It: How to Make a Living
Can you make a living metal detecting? Anyone who has considered being serious about this hobby has asked this question at least one time.
And it is a valid question. You need to have the right combination of skills, experience, and passion if you want to make metal detecting your source of living. Even then, it can still be challenging and there are no guarantees that you will actually generate a steady stream of income. There are way too many variables involved so make sure you think twice before you consider making it your primary source of living.
The obvious way that you can generate income with metal detecting is to find valuable treasures. Unfortunately, this can happen to select people rather than the majority. You cannot depend on the treasures you find to become your source of income.
There are several ways that you can make a living from metal detecting. One is to become a dealer of metal detectors. You can set up an online shop or a local shop for this. It’s not just metal detectors that you can sell but a host of other tools and equipment for this hobby.
You can also set up a blog or a Youtube channel wherein you will share your experience and tips with metal detecting to other enthusiasts. You can participate in affiliate marketing programs wherein you will be promoting metal detectors and other equipment. For every purchase made from your recommendations, you can earn a commission.
These are just a few examples that you can consider if you want to become serious with metal detecting and try to earn money from it. Any of these options will make the time and effort you invest in your hobby pay off – literally.
Reasons to Get Into Metal Detecting
If you want to find out if metal detecting is worth it, there are plenty of benefits that you can get from this hobby. These benefits will differ for each person because everyone has a different goal for engaging in this type of hobby in the first place.
The first reason that makes metal detecting worth it is the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Any chance you get to get out and enjoy nature along with its fresh air is something you need to exploit. With metal detecting, everything is done outdoors. This is a great way to find treasures while also getting some physical activity in the process.
Hobbyists who are serious about metal detecting often establish groups or small communities for fellow hobbyists. This can be online or local. Either way, participating in these groups offers many benefits and one of them is the chance to meet new people. It is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals. You can also learn tips from others who have been in this hobby for a long time so you can improve your own skills.
Speaking of skills, metal detecting is a great way to develop a new skill. Most people think that the metal detector does all the work. However, it takes a lot of skill to be able to navigate the grounds and identify the location of potential treasures. It is a skill that you will develop as you do it more.
How Does It Compare to Other Hobbies
It can be difficult to compare one hobby to another because they are different for a reason. As mentioned above, metal detecting lets you spend more time outdoors. If you are new to this hobby (or are considering this hobby), you might ask this question: what about choosing other outdoor sports or hobbies instead?
Unlike metal detecting, other outdoor sports or hobbies do not give you the satisfaction of unearthing potential treasures. Each treasure hunting activity is unique from any you have done before. Therefore, you cannot predict what you might find or what your hunting activity will be like. There is plenty of excitement and thrill that goes with the unknown and the potential of discovery.
Is Metal Detecting Worth It?
If you are still asking this question, then you might want to think twice about going ahead with this hobby. If you have not seen the potential rewards that you can get from the experience yet, then you won’t find it once you are out on the grounds looking for buried treasures.
It is worth it for individuals who are into history and culture. The potential of finding historical relics and linking them to the history of the land is an exciting learning experience. It is also worth it if you enjoy treasure hunting and have the opportunity to earn an extra income. However, it is not worth it if you don’t have the patience or you are not willing to invest in a good quality metal detector.
Everyone has a different reason for embarking on this hobby. Make sure you are clear about that reason because this hobby will require time, effort, and a lot of money. Entry-level metal detectors will set you back at hundreds of dollars and there are more tools you need. Thus, it is not a cheap hobby and so you need to have a good reason for doing it.
Regardless of your reason for metal detecting, it is a great hobby with many promising benefits.
