When it comes to the success of a pharmacy, nothing matters more than location. For example, in a study cited in the pharmacy magazine Elements, researchers found that 94 percent of consumers choose a pharmacy based on location and service alone.
If the shop is close to where they live or work, consumers will use that pharmacy above all others.
But chances are, some customers might be willing to drive for just a few more blocks to experience something exceptional in the pharmacy environment. You need to sway these consumers to make a switch as soon as they walk through the door.
Music can help you to prompt key customers to choose you over the competition. If you haven't ever considered the role music plays in the success of your pharmacy, here are three key things you should know.
Music Can Help Your Patients Feel Better
Some people come to your pharmacy to pick up medications that help them preserve the robust health they have right now. But chances are most people who visit you are not feeling well. They hope that your assistance will help them get better fast.
According to The Telegraph, a pharmacy in England commissioned a study of people in pain. Researchers found that 41 percent said listening to a favorite song diminished the pain.
Researchers found that pop music was the most effective type of music, and songs cited included the following:
- ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by Simon and Garfunkel
- ‘Albatross’ by Fleetwood Mac
- ‘Easy’ by The Commodores
- ‘Candle in the Wind’ by Elton John
Playing songs like this could help to ease the discomfort of your customers and help them feel loyal to you.
Music Can Help You Offer Better Customer Service
Your customers aren't the only people who will hear the tunes you play. Your employees will also hear your playlist, and each note may influence them.
Working in a pharmacy can be stressful, and you expect your employees to remain polite no matter what happens during the workday. When your employees are calm and enjoy their work environment, they are more likely to focus on what your customers want. That leads to exceptional customer service.
According to Pharmacy Times, pharmacy music that is repetitive or annoying can frustrate pharmacy workers, and that leads them to provide service that is less than ideal. On the other hand, music that is positive, upbeat, and varied can keep the workplace enjoyable. Experts cited in this article suggest that music from the 1950s and 1960s works best.
Once you have chosen a playlist, check back with your employees and ensure they enjoy the list you are spinning. If not, work with your employees to find a mix that works for them. Giving your employees a voice is one of the best ways to ensure that you provide the happy work environment you’re striving for.
You Must Pay to Use It
You might have a stack of CDs at home that seem perfect for pharmacy play, but the music you purchased is made only for personal use. You will need a separate agreement to play that music publicly, and playing tunes at your pharmacy is considered a public performance.
It can be tempting to skirt copyright rules and play any music you would like to play. But your pharmacy is a public place, and it is not uncommon for copyright holders to send scouts into public places to see if music is played without permission.
If you are caught playing music you haven’t licensed, you could get sued. A lawsuit can come with a penalty for each time a song is played. The fees can add up quickly.
At Cloud Cover Music, we take care of copyright issues. We can offer you robust playlists of music that your customers want to hear, and we can ensure that the proper payments are made so you will not be targeted by a lawsuit.
Getting started with us is easy. We will come together on an agreement with a reasonable fee, and we will give you access to our library.
It takes just minutes to get started, and the protection is profound. We would love to tell you more. Just contact us, and we will get to work for you.
Playlists
Modern Pop
Song: 10,000 Emerald Pools
Artist(s): BØRNS
Song: 80s Mercedes
Artist(s): Maren Morris
Song: If I Can't Have You
Artist(s): Shawn Mendes
Song: Sunday Vibe
Artist(s): Cisco Adler, G. Love & Special Sauce
Song: Saturday Sun
Artist(s): Vance Joy
Song: Money (with Tom Misch)
Artist(s): Michael Kiwanuka, Tom Musch
Song: Love You For A Long Time
Artist(s): Maggie Rogers
Song: Butterflies
Artist(s): Kacey Musgraves
Song: I Found You
Artist(s): Andy Grammer
Song: Carry Me Away
Artist(s): John Mayer
Timeless Pop
Song: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Artist(s): Simon & Garfunkel
Song: Albatross - 2018 Remaster
Artist(s): Fleetwood Mac
Song: Easy
Artist(s): Commodores
Song: Candle In The Wind - Remastered 2014
Artist(s): Elton John
Song: Lovely Day
Artist(s): Bill Withers
Song: Hotel California - 2013 Remaster
Artist(s): Eagles
Song: Sweet Caroline
Artist(s): Neil Diamond
Song: Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster
Artist(s): Eagles
Song: (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay
Artist(s): Otis Redding
Song: Brown Eyed Girl
Artist(s): Van Morrison
50s & 60s
Song: (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave
Artist(s): Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Song: (You Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher
Artist(s): Jackie Wilson
Song: Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Artist(s): Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell
Song: You Send Me
Artist(s): Sam Cooke
Song: Wouldn't It Be Nice
Artist(s): The Beach Boys
Song: Uptight (Everything's Alright)
Artist(s): Stevie Wonder
Song: Twist And Shout - Remastered 2009
Artist(s): The Beatles
Song: The Great Pretender
Artist(s): The Platters
Song: Sugar, Sugar
Artist(s): The Archies
Song: Stand by Me
Artist(s): Ben E. King
Tips for Playing Music in a Pharmacy
Paying attention to your playlist is critical. But how should you share the music you choose? Following a few basic tips could help you ensure you're surrounding your customers with the right experience.
We recommend the following:
- Adjusting the volume: Your music should be loud enough to be audible, but quiet enough that your staff doesn't feel compelled to yell at customers. Observe the pharmacy counter throughout the day, and watch for signals like hands cupped around ears or people speaking too loudly.
- Watching the tempo: Your pharmacy likely has customer highs and lows throughout the day. Look for fast-paced tunes to keep people moving quickly when you want to clear out the space, and slow it down when you want your few customers to linger longer.
- Listening to your staff: Any time you adjust your playlist, check in with your frontline workers. Did they notice the change? How do they think it worked? Keep lines of communication open.
You know your customers and your business. And with the right partner, you can share music that makes your pharmacy a great place for customers and staff alike.
References
Here's the Truth About Why People Aren't Choosing Your Independent Pharmacy. (October 2017). Elements.
In Pain? Listen to Music, Says Pharmacy. (October 2013). The Telegraph.
How Music Heard in the Pharmacy Affects Attitudes. (August 2015). Pharmacy Times.