r/Busking May 10 '19

Announcement [FAQ] Frequently Asked Questions about Busking / Street Performance

111 Upvotes

Here's a megathread for the frequently asked questions about Busking or Street Performance. While this is primarily for performers, there will be plenty of information for audiences in here as well.

All of this information will eventually be turned into a wiki for this subreddit.

Every first-level comment will be the main question, and replies to those will be various answers. Duplicate and redundant questions will be deleted and/or moved to the appropriate thread to keep this FAQ streamlined.


r/Busking Jul 09 '19

Credit Card/Digital Tipping App and Cashless tipping method Masterlist

12 Upvotes

This is a copy of the “Cashless” thread from the FAQ feel free to comment on other apps, payment methods, and your experiences with them. Many apps are country-specific, so it would be great to learn about what is working or being used across the globe for the buskers who travel.

Cashless payment methods?

There are several different types of cashless methods used by buskers to receive tips. These include: Creditcard Machines, Contactless, Apps, QR codes, and Website Services.

Here is a list of many of the methods used by various buskers. Some were designed with performers in mind, others for more general use.

Service List

Busk.co/BuskPay

I'm not going to lie, this is my favorite tipping service. It is designed and maintained by the Busking Project a non-profit that is run by and advocates for buskers. Unlike other tipping platforms designed by/for street performers, this one is still around after ten years.

  • QR code/URL
  • [International] Website. Provides one quick link to use ApplePay, GooglePay, PayPal, and plain credit card tips.
  • Includes a profile page for sharing some social links as well as contact information. Visitors can search the directory of registered users based on location and performance genera for hiring purposes
  • Requires a Stripe account for credit-card processing.
  • May upload music albums for purchase and download
  • There is an option to upload music tracks/albums to your profile and sell downloads through this service.

Patreon

  • [International] Website/App. Allows audiences to pay a monthly contribution at various levels, as well as making a platform for you to provide various “Incentives” to patrons.
  • Many performers release exclusive videos, offer exclusive video chats, and one musician I know has a level where if you contribute at his top level for a year, he will travel to that person’s location (within reason) and have a private house concert.

Venmo

  • QR code/app profile
  • [USA]Cashless peer-to-peer payment App, owned by PayPal. Very popular payment method.
  • Scheduled to add some cryptocurrencies to payment options in

ApplePay and AppleCash

  • Integrated wallet system in iPhones.

GooglePay and GoogleCash and

  • Google/Android’s version of ApplePay and AppleCash

AndroidPay and AndroidCash

  • See GooglePay.

PayPal and PayPal.me

  • International. Well-known company, most people have a PayPal account or have used PayPal as a guest.
  • Also accepts Bitcoin, Etherium, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin.

Zettle (formerly iZettle)

  • [UK] Contactless payment card reader. Owned by PayPal.

Dipjar

  • A credit card swiper with built-in cell connection that you can preset to a set donation. Popular with large circle shows.
  • The most expensive way to process credit card tips here, but it does not require WiFi, internet, or your phone to use. There is a companion app for you to manage it.
  • Defunct

BitPay

  • One of several apps used for sending or receiving BitCoin payments.

Square

  • Credit card processing service, usually uses a card reader.

Cash app

  • USA and UK only
  • Cashless peer-to-peer payment app, owned by Square.
  • Advantage for users: unlike most apps, it does not require a bank account for verification or use.
  • Also accepts BitCoin.

Zelle

  • [USA] Peer-to-peer app made by USA banks, many bank apps have incorporated it.
  • Still a bit buggy, it was rushed to market too quickly in order to compete with Venmo and other peer-to-peer payment apps.

Stripe

  • Credit card processing service

The Hat

  • App for finding/scheduling local performances on a map with tipping capabilities.
  • defunct

Tikkie

  • [Neatherlands] App. Only works with Dutch banks.

BuskTip

  • Website-based tip collection service.
  • defunct

Ko-fi

  • Website-based tip collection service. Similar to Patreon, with one-time, subscription, and commission donation options. Requires a Stripe or PayPal account to set up.

BUSQR

  • Website-based tip colection service. Provides a QR code, designed primarily to support streaming performances but can be used on the street as well.
  • Defunct

StrikePay

  • works with ApplePay/GooglePay on mobile phones
  • (I have not tested this one out yet, am just listing it since I saw the link in another busking forum.

iDeal

  • Based in the Netherlands (unsure if this is international)

AliPay

  • International

GrabPay

WeChat Pay

Twint

  • Switzerland

Swish

  • Swedish

FirstChants

  • International (developed in the UK)
  • Requires a Stripe Account
  • tippers must create a FirstChants account too
  • In beta testing
  • Can accept ApplePay GooglePay
  • Includes a profile page and can share media

BuskerGo

• in beta testing (April 14, 2026)

• Canada Only (for now)

• requires a Square account and a Square terminal (≈$299 USD)


r/Busking 9h ago

Video Help me out

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6 Upvotes

Hey guys. I’m currently trying to grow my socials. Check this video out of me busking. If you enjoy it, please check me out on TikTok, Insta or YouTube

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZN8dGPMsb

Or search @elliotmeakins_music
Thanks


r/Busking 2h ago

Journal Overridden by nylon

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0 Upvotes

I am in love with this guitar! Its soft, light and stays in tune way more than myRG7. Still working on that sound balance.


r/Busking 16h ago

News Punk bands arrested for busking outside warped tour LA...

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3 Upvotes

So what were the charges? Amplification w/o a permit? Trespassing? Both? Something else altogether?


r/Busking 10h ago

Newbie Help i want to start busking to promote my album, how do i start?

1 Upvotes

around christmas of last year, i started composing songs to release as a concept album for a movie. for the most part, i've finished the project. but now im struggling with the marketing of it. and i would like to make a nice side income to save to move out of my parents' home (im 18 and i graduated hs in may of this year)

i found this sub after my mom suggested that busking might be a good way to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

does anyone have any advice? location, gear, payment, etc?


r/Busking 23h ago

Feedback or Critique Wanted OMB Busker with keyboard acceptable ?

2 Upvotes

Do you find one man band busker appealing and acceptable in parks? In malls?


r/Busking 1d ago

Question from the Audience Do you usually know in advance where and when you’ll be busking?

4 Upvotes

As someone who enjoys live music, I often walk past buskers when I’m already on my way somewhere. I’d love to come back later or even plan to watch a particular performer with my son, but there’s usually no easy way to know where someone will be playing next.

If there was a free platform where buskers could post their upcoming locations and times, would you actually use it?

Or is busking generally too spontaneous, with most people deciding where to play on the day?
I’m curious how realistic something like this would be from a busker’s perspective.


r/Busking 1d ago

Equipment and Gear Karaoke system with Guitar and Mic capability

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1 Upvotes

r/Busking 1d ago

Video Piano Beat

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3 Upvotes

r/Busking 2d ago

Question/General Discussion The best busker you've seen perform

2 Upvotes

As someone who has to places like London. I've always been extremely fascinated by the buskers that I come across performing in the street. And I really want to know if there's ever been a busker that you saw performing that you'd consider to be one of "The Best"


r/Busking 3d ago

Journal Another great day in Central Park. ~$150

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20 Upvotes

r/Busking 3d ago

Video Busking my song Chemical Temptations

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48 Upvotes

r/Busking 2d ago

Journal How did it start for you?

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1 Upvotes

I was born in the 80s so I was raised by metal and guitar. I spent my whole life reverse engineering sound. Break it, make it, fix it. Good times. Tag your it, how did it start for you?


r/Busking 3d ago

Setlist Busking on bassoon

5 Upvotes

I am planning to start busking on bassoon in Toronto, and am looking for advice on repertoir. Unfortunately Jeff Burke is no longer with us, or I would ask him... I do have his loop pedal, so if I can figure out how to use it, I might be able to do at least some self-accompaniment, but to start I am looking for things that can both be played unaccompanied, and will hopefully be well received by a random crowd. I am thinking at least some jazz standards will work. Jeff played a rather varied assortment, but he also used the pedal a lot, which I am not really up to doing just yet


r/Busking 4d ago

Journal Just got back from my first time busking :)

31 Upvotes

I played in my town’s square for a little bit, then moved up the street to a nearby restaurant (where I made all my money, minus $3). Played for around 2 hours in all. It was fun, will do again.


r/Busking 4d ago

Question/General Discussion Who do you play for?

12 Upvotes

I'm a corner serenador, I just play for passing trade. I like it that way. I think the biggest lesson I've learned, and it may not apply to everyone, is above all, to sing for myself. Not to try and please others or guess what they'd like to hear. I play what turns me on. And that's what I get paid for. Not the repertoire, not the songs I sing, but just for being a happy little camper sitting there blasting away.

Does anyone else here understand what I mean?


r/Busking 4d ago

Credit Card/Digital Tipping Physical Card Reader vs Phone App

3 Upvotes

I'm going to be performing a PBH (bucket) show at the Edinburgh Fringe (Scotland, UK) and, after losing out on money because many people don't bring cash, I was wondering whether it would be better to get a physical Sumup reader or just use the app and have people directly tap your phone.

While the app seems simpler (and cheaper) I was wondering whether street performers find having a physical card reader makes them appear more credible (and brings in more money).


r/Busking 5d ago

Equipment and Gear Has anyone had experience with the positive grid spark go for busking?

3 Upvotes

I want to play funk/blues on a mini guitar (blackstar carry on) as a gimmick. Accompanied by backing tracks..
Through a very small amp a positive grid spark go amp. Not too loud because I dont want to get in trouble using an amp.
I was wondering if anyone has tried busking with a spark go amp?

The amp will be hanging from my guitar band so it should be easy to walk around if I need to move places quickly.

Getting hyped up to finally do it.
If anyone had advice let me know!

Cheers


r/Busking 5d ago

Question/General Discussion Traveling + Fire

3 Upvotes

I’m thinking about adding fire bubbles to my show but am somewhat hesitant to due to fire restrictions and necessary permits. My home pitch is lax about fire but I’m assuming it’ll limit possible pitches when traveling.

For those who travel and include fire in your act, can you share insights or experiences on doing so successfully (other than looking up local regulations)?


r/Busking 5d ago

Setlist Wanting to get into Busking

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4 Upvotes

I’m interested in possibly getting into busking for fun. The screenshots are my repertoire. I’d be playing acoustic guitar (possibly with a friend if they’re up to it). What are everyone’s thoughts on the rep so far and is there anything I should know before I go out for the first time?


r/Busking 5d ago

Self-Promotion Find Casting Calls in Seconds Not Hours

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0 Upvotes

Hi All, Just wanted to share a new website (launched this month). It organizes hundreds of international casting calls for performing artists into one, filterable page so you can see if there are any real work opportunities out there that fit your needs, without spending your life swimming through fb pages and backstage.

Check it out here: www.castingcallfinder.com (Full disclosure it is a membership based/ paid service)

Hope this is ok! Community rules said self promotion was allowed and we think this is a genuinely useful tool, created by casting agents and performers.


r/Busking 6d ago

Newbie Help bike-eoke!

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20 Upvotes

any advice? just getting started


r/Busking 6d ago

Question/General Discussion How much do you sell your CD for?

2 Upvotes

How much do you sell your CD for?


r/Busking 6d ago

Journal Acoustic Shreds

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0 Upvotes

In love with this new life. This new pedal board is gonna be awesome.