How would you like to be approached with a business proposition?

[Bald n Grumpy]

Hi Ollie,

I certainly do not mean to be presumptive, I am simply trying to ascertain the most effective way to pitch a business proposal to a farmer by asking farmers.

I think I have already established that I will use a land agent and expect a refusal, but nothing ventured, nothing gained...

Thanks

Farmers are like other human beings, all different
One might run you out of the yard with his dog the next one might invite you in and give you tea and a chocolate hobnob
The results will probably be the same. It just means there is no right way to approach everybody..
If you have identified an area you are interested in then get in the car and go and knock on the door (wait until he's finished his dinner and if he looks like he's having a bad day tell him you'll call again)
All they can say is no and you can move on to the next plan

 

[Mark Hatton]

Farmers are like other human beings, all different
One might run you out of the yard with his dog the next one might invite you in and give you tea and a chocolate hobnob
The results will probably be the same. It just means there is no right way to approach everybody..
If you have identified an area you are interested in then get in the car and go and knock on the door (wait until he's finished his dinner and if he looks like he's having a bad day tell him you'll call again)
All they can say is no and you can move on to the next plan

Absolutely spot on with the analogy, one I often use, generally replace dog with shotgun though!!!

 

[Dry Rot]

I don't know about other areas but there used to be acceptable times to call someone on a landline. These days, I suspct most either turn their phone off when they don't want to be bothered or, like me, don't turn it on in the first place! (Not sure I want to hear from people who can't read and write).

Used to be 8am, 12.30, 6.30pm, and 10pm...but your mileage may vary. If you're phoning me, just don't. Especially during meal times.

 

[Bald n Grumpy]

Absolutely spot on with the analogy, one I often use, generally replace dog with shotgun though!!!

Didn't want to give the impression we're all gun toting psychos

 

[Treg]

Thanks for the response.

I should be clear that I am not looking for a "bargain". The lease of lakes by farmers for fishing is a long established model which I believe must be mutually beneficial and leave the landowner knowing it's value as a fishery.

It's also worth noting that I have identified a specific piece of land that I would be enquiring about. Do you think it too presumptive to enquire about a specific piece of land? Perhaps a more general enquiry that could be refined if he showed interest?

I understand from your response that one of the primary issues I would need to address would be how I ensured as little hassle/disruption to the landowner as possible. This to include an overview of maintenance, security, insurances, how many people to have access as well as my own credibility in terms of my ability to meet payments.

I assume a letter would be preferable to an email or a phonecall?

Would you expect to see an offer for the annual leasehold at this point?

Many thanks
Jon

Yes just write a letter proposing what you want & what your offering.
I get this quite often ....camping pods, outdoor school, car storage, wind turbine, solar panels etc.
Never chuck them straight in the bin, I run a business & I'm always looking out for new ventures.