Busker Ettiquite?

It's common busking practice to ask someone how long they'll be playing for in a certain spot. This way you know whether it's worth waiting for them to finish or moving on.

I went to busk at the farmers market in Sydney the other day. It was the perfect spot - except someone was already there. She sat in the corner with her wire music stand, playing Irish folk tunes on the tin whistle. She looked about 14 and was cute as a button - the exact same look I was going for!

I approached her, my hair filled with pink ribbons and glittery butterfly clips, and asked how long she'd be playing for. She looked kind of terrified.
"Ummm... I'm not sure.... let me ask my Dad"
I waited patiently while she went looking for her Dad.
"Hey Dad, what time are you going to pick me up do you think?"
"I'm not sure honey, maybe around noon"
"Hmmmm" I muttered. It was 10.30. My ride was leaving in 45 minutes. Noon wasn't going to cut it. I smiled and went to find another spot. There was nothing. It was a small farmers market and anywhere I would play would drown her out. I really wanted to play, but I wasn't going to stoop that low.

My time was running out. I only wanted to play for half an hour. I decided to do something I've thought about doing a few times. I was going to try and pay her off.

I waited for her to finish the song she was playing. It was the longest song in history; smart kid, she knew I was bad news.
I took a deep breath.
"I'll give you $15 if I can have your spot for half an hour" I said
"Oh, ummmm... well... you don't have to pay me"
"No, please I'll compensate you. I just need half an hour then it's all yours again"
"I guess I could call my Dad.... he could pick me up early"
"If you don't want to, just say..." I said, but I was already unpacking my trombone.
"No, it's OK. I s'pose I've had my turn." she said shyly "You don't have to give me any money"
"I don't want to kick you out, I just need half an hour" I said putting my trombone together
She moved her stand and chair to the side, and pulled out her phone to call her Dad. I guiltily shoved a handful of loonies into her hat.

After my first song she was gone. I made $40 in half an hour. It really was a nice spot.