#488020
Sun Oct 27 2013 08:23 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 382
Petro Enthusiast
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OP
Petro Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 382 |
Hey Oldgassers,
I recently moved into a MUCH more rural area than I was living in. Between driving back and forth to work, and just enjoying the countryside on the weekends, I have noticed a LOT of residences out here with signs and pumps and other pieces of petroliana outside.
My question is, how wise is it to go talk to these individuals about their involvement in the hobby? Not so much to buy/sell/trade, just as in to strike up conversation on a similar interest?
I think a couple of these places have up a gate or the like, but no "No Trespassing" signs, as this would be an obvious answer to my question.
I only ask because I don't know if there would be a sense of "paranoia" or someone thinking I am being too intrusive?
Thanks
Eddy Smith Call or Text: 678-232-4637 E-mail: eddysmithjr@gmail.com Always looking for pump plates or small signs!
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Please - NO offers to Buy or Sell in this forum category
Statements such as, "I'm thinking about selling this." are considered an offer to sell.
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,262 Likes: 1
Veteran Member
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Veteran Member
Joined: Nov 2008
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Try mailing a nice card introducing yourself and noting your interest(s). I myself am reluctant to drive onto someone's property any more. Things just aren't like they used to be. Or you can do a search and find phone numbers (if they still happen to have a land line.)
Collecting the Mississippi companies: Billups, Southland, Rose Oil,Crystal Oil, Barq's
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,880 Likes: 50
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Like Dave said, put a friendly note on their mailbox with your phone number. Dont say anything about buying if that is even at all what your looking for. Just that you love to talk oil and gas and who knows where it could go. Hopefully the phone will ring and you will make a new friend or two.
Steve Coppens Always interested in Sunoco items! Really want a Sunoco National pump ad glass!!
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 382
Petro Enthusiast
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OP
Petro Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 382 |
Excellent idea! I hadn't thought of that. I'm not interested in buying. My thing is I am only 25. I have loved this hobby for 3 years, but never had a regular physical contact that shares my interests and could maybe educate me.
For the last year I have backed away from buying a lot just to read and learn. I want to get back in to going to the shows and stuff. So after seeing some of these barn and building displays I gotta imagine I can learn a thing or two.
My question is, if I put something in their mailbox, is that illegal? I know there are a lot of federal laws about mail, and I'd HATE to annoy them so they call the cops for mail fraud or something. Yes. I have that dumb luck.
Eddy Smith Call or Text: 678-232-4637 E-mail: eddysmithjr@gmail.com Always looking for pump plates or small signs!
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,705
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You have to just go up to the door and knock if you are able.Taking along a woman eases some peoples anxiety. I have rarely had someone phone me after I left a note. Get the names from the property tax records(most are online search by map)and phone numbers off the internet. Phone between 6 pm and 8 pm. See what happens. Do this several times and you may find a technique that works for you.Good luck and keep us posted.
Dave Jones It's All Just Stuff
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 549 Likes: 1
Petro Enthusiast
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Petro Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 549 Likes: 1 |
That last question is interesting. I always wondered why flyers and business cards were tucked into my screen door rather than in my mailbox.
Last edited by ironheadtom; Mon Oct 28 2013 06:42 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,880 Likes: 50
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"ON" the mail box. Not "in". Or if they have one of the newspaper boxes along side. I've had solicitors rubber band flyers to my mailbox flag also. Cuz yes, I believe it is a federal crime of some kind to put something in it.
Last edited by Steve C.; Mon Oct 28 2013 06:51 AM.
Steve Coppens Always interested in Sunoco items! Really want a Sunoco National pump ad glass!!
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,559 Likes: 43
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Joined: May 2005
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Federal offense! My mailman took some medicine someone left in our box came back a few days later in an envelope with postage due!
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,818 Likes: 2
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Hey Eddy, nice seeing you back.
I approach people all the time on a "cold approach" (never having met the person before) I've never had anyone get angry or offended because I approached them or their property.
I park in the drive and walk straight to the door and if no answer then I leave my business card behind.
Likewise, I have at least one new (not known) person a day stop by my place. I don't like snoopy people or people wandering around on my property other then that I always have/make time for other collectors.
Dave GILL, Dave's Garage & Memorabilia, Inc.
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 226
Petro Enthusiast
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Petro Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 226 |
Agree with Dave, on the "cold approach". Always be very polite, and don't look like a bum. My wife goes with me a lot of the time, she can spot stuff I don't see because I'm driving. Last major score of 11 signs, she saw a Sunoco pole sign, leaning up against a tree in tall grass. I've bought most of my pumps from seeing them, and stopping to ask about them.
Always looking for Standard Oil of Indiana, or any globes! Buddy Koehrn
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