More Music, More Money

When it comes to creating a memorable dining experience, music is often an afterthought. However, research has shown that music can have a profound impact on customer behavior, mood, spending and even food choices. In this article, we'll explore the science behind music and dining, and provide practical tips on how to create a playlist that boosts sales and customer satisfaction.

The Science of Music and Dining

Studies have shown that music can influence customer behavior in a variety of ways. For example, a study published in the Journal of Food Science found that classical music can stimulate appetite and increase food sales. In fact, the study found that classical music increased food sales by 11.6% compared to silence. This is likely due to the fact that classical music is often associated with sophistication and elegance, which can create a positive atmosphere for diners.

On the other hand, folk music has been shown to encourage customers to drink more. A study published in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research found that folk music increased beer sales by 15.6% compared to silence. This is likely due to the fact that folk music is often associated with a more relaxed and casual atmosphere, which can encourage customers to linger over a drink.

Upbeat music can also increase customer energy and satisfaction. A study published in the Journal of Services Marketing found that upbeat music increased customer satisfaction by 12.2% compared to slow music. This is likely due to the fact that upbeat music can create a lively and energetic atmosphere, which can make customers feel more engaged and entertained.

The Importance of Music Licensing

While music can have a profound impact on the dining experience, it's also important to consider the issue of music licensing. In the United States, copyright law requires that businesses obtain a license to play copyrighted music in a commercial setting. This means that restaurants, cafes, and other food establishments cannot simply create a playlist using their favorite songs without obtaining the necessary licenses.

One common mistake that businesses make is to create a playlist using a streaming service like Spotify. While Spotify is a great way to create a playlist for personal use, it is not licensed for commercial use. In fact, using a Spotify playlist in a commercial setting is a violation of copyright law, and can result in fines and penalties.

For example, let's say that a restaurant owner creates a playlist on Spotify and plays it in their restaurant. If the playlist includes copyrighted music, the restaurant owner is technically violating copyright law. This is because Spotify's terms of service specifically prohibit commercial use of their service.

To avoid this problem, businesses can obtain a commercial music license from a performing rights organization (PRO) such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. These licenses can be expensive, with costs ranging from $500 to $5,000 per year, depending on the size of the business and the type of music played.

Commercial Music Services

Fortunately, there are a number of commercial music services that can provide businesses with licensed music for a fraction of the cost of a PRO license. Companies like Muzak, Mood Media, and PlayNetwork offer a range of music services, including custom playlists, music scheduling, and equipment installation.

These services can be a great option for businesses that want to create a unique and engaging atmosphere without breaking the bank. For example, Muzak offers a range of music services, including custom playlists and music scheduling, for as little as $30 per month.

Public Domain Music

Another option for businesses is to use public domain music. Public domain music is music that is no longer under copyright, and can be used freely without obtaining a license. This can include classical music, jazz, and folk music.

However, it's worth noting that public domain music can be limited in its selection, and may not be as engaging or memorable as copyrighted music. Additionally, public domain music may not be as well-known or recognizable as copyrighted music, which can make it less effective at creating a specific atmosphere or mood.

Creating a Playlist that Boosts Sales and Customer Satisfaction

So how can businesses create a playlist that boosts sales and customer satisfaction? Here are a few tips:

• Consider the atmosphere you want to create. Do you want to create a relaxed and casual atmosphere, or a more sophisticated and elegant one?
• Choose music that is consistent with your brand and atmosphere. For example, if you're a fine dining restaurant, you may want to choose classical music or jazz.
• Consider the tempo and energy of the music. Upbeat music can increase customer energy and satisfaction, while slow music can create a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Use a commercial music service or obtain a PRO license to ensure that you're using licensed music.
• Experiment with different playlists and music styles to find what works best for your business.

Conclusion

Music can have a profound impact on the dining experience, influencing customer behavior, mood, and even food choices. By understanding the science behind music and dining, and using commercial music services or obtaining a PRO license, businesses can create a playlist that boosts sales and customer satisfaction.

Whether you're a fine dining restaurant or a casual cafe, music can be a powerful tool for creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. By choosing the right music and using the right licensing, you can create a dining experience that will leave your customers coming back for more.

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