Ok now this trip was a success for me. Normally I make maybe 15 to 20 bucks for couple shows. Today I should've made 15 bucks if one particular person would've payed a 1. So basically I made 14 bucks off of the ones that most people gave me. One particular person didn't pay me a 1(and this guy was a complete stranger, I didn't know him in any way). He didn't pay me a five either. or a ten. But a freaking 20 dollar bill. Now for gazzo or jimmy talksalot that may not be an incredible tip but for me that's just plain awesome. so I made 34 dollars today! Also I gave a women my phone number because she said she wanted it in case she had some sort of a party. So ya, big success today!

Congrats

Gotta love the farmer's markets...

Work it. Get to know the organizers and the vendors. The organizers may be in a position to help you or sponsor you in some way, and you NEED to get the vendors on your side anyhow.

Take the woman asking for your # as a compliment, but don't let it go to your head. Getting gigs from your busking is a great bonus, but don't let that become your primary purpose. There are many better ways to get gigs through good marketing techniques.

Just focus on building a good show with a catchy opening, several different middle effects that you can switch out as the specific needs of each show occur to you, (paying close attention to MAXIMIZE audience involvement and making "friends" with the audience), and a great finale that really WOWs them. You've got plenty of time to create a great show that will serve you well now and into the future!

Thanks, I will do all you said gaddy

YEAH !!! Good going Mitchell.You know it only gets better every time you go busking.Do keep us informed.

Don

I tried the farmer's market here in Providence. Couldn't get more than a couple of people to start and no one tipped.
Maybe I'll try again next fall.

You have really got to work the farmers markets, or flea markets, etc... But if you do, actually get out and engage some folks, get a couple stopped and then start working on the rest. Don't be in to much of a hurry to perfrom until you build the edge. It is surprising good practice, and helps with expenss. You might not get rich there, but you sure can work on, and refine your act.

Gotta try this at the farmer's market here in Raleigh, NC.

Gaddy, thanks for the good tips...

Never even CONSIDERED a farmers market.

Good tip,

Thanks

Well if anyone does try their local market there is something they need to consider. I mentioned in another of the farmers market experiences that I met a juggler. He said he set up sort of in the center of the market and was kicked out. I right on the outside of the market... Like a few feet away from where the first of the tents were... So if you do a loud show then the farmers probably don't want you in there. So consider doing what I did and work on the border of it.

For me the farmer's market was a great place to practice. Made a few bucks. But most of the folks there were on a mission - get the tomato plants home and get them in the ground, etc. Didn't seem to have time to stop. The markets are still on my list, but not high.

Last year I had an arranged Magic and Balloons session at a Farmer's Market style place, and partway through got told by one of the organisers what I was doing wasn't what they wanted. So, one try and over with in the meantime.
But across the street from the market is one of the major parking areas for market customers, and Ive seen folk set up there on the side closest to the market selling bead bracets, firewood, raffle tickets, hoping to catch some buyers amongst those who park in the car park.
I've since latched on to a weekly car boot sales held in the ground floor of a parking station and will be giving that a go. The good thing is I can work there for a couple of hours then walk to my regular pitch as well.

These are the only pitches I would recommend calling for permission, first. Because if you crash it; you're going to get kicked out and be unwelcome back.

A $20 is always something to celebrate.

I never worked a farmer's market. Do you have to pay for a spot, get permission from the organizers, or do you just crash it?

You can be in for a bad time if you crash. Better in this case to ask permission. I "sell" the idea as entertainment for folks strolling around and shopping the market and I have never had to pay. Be sure they understand you will be allowing tips...

Farmers markets are ok if there attended well-some are really quiet so you will have a quiet day!!

I Pay $15 for a good spot at local farmers market! for about 4 hrs

Get some good crowds often blocking the walkway between booths etc

Using a small table but quite high-I attract a crowd using money & cards & lots of fun interaction
Shows go about 10 mins-short but can fit more in etc-usually crowds are waiting for next show as they arrive at the end of
previous one etc....

Brent

We have a KILLER Farmer's Market every Sunday Morning in HOLLYWOOD, CA... there are a number of music buskers that are regulars. Also a Balloon maker. There was a guy that showed a few times doing a rope trick and he faded and left... frankly, he was not very good. I would bet a strong guy could make strong money.