Creating a soundscape for your shop requires buying a system and choosing the music to play. You've likely completed these steps for your home multiple times. But filling a large retail space is different and requires more expertise.

Keep reading to find out what makes up an in-store music system, how to set one up, and how to choose the music you'll play through your new system.

1. Obtain a Commercial Sound System

Your first step involves buying a commercial sound system that’s appropriate for your space and filled with the features you need to serve your customers and staff. Here’s what you need to know as you shop.

4 Key Parts of an In-Store Music System

While it is easier to access at first, personal sound system equipment is not enough for many brick-and-mortar stores. You'll need to build a system just for your space with these four basic parts.

1. Audio Source

Music is played through this device. It could be an MP3 player, CD player, vinyl record player, smartphone, or tablet. There are numerous music sources for all kinds of applications.

2. Amplifier

This is the power behind the speakers, converting the quality of the input's signal to make sound through the outputs.

• Yamaha A-S301: This is a good choice for business owners on a tight budget, as it provides decent sound quality at a low price.
• Dayton Audio HTA100: This tube amplifier offers a warm, rich sound and can connect directly to your computer.
• Technics SU-G700M2: This integrated amplifier offers exceptional sound and plenty of features, but it’s more expensive than the others we’ve mentioned.

3. Volume Controller

The volume control knob may be built into the system. Separate volume controls may be needed for commercial setups with multiple speakers.

If you end up with a more complex setup, you may need a master volume control and a mixer. The mixer combines two or more low-level sound inputs into one monophonic output through the speaker. Monophonic sound means that customers can hear high-quality music closer to the speakers without missing any part of the song.

A good mixer that could work in this capacity is a Behringer FLOW 8. This product has Bluetooth capability, so you can stream directly from a smartphone or tablet. You can customize the sound by turning up the bass or treble, and you can create different zones for your music from one space.

4. Speakers

These devices broadcast background music through the store or restaurant. Larger rooms may require more speakers with monophonic audio, while smaller rooms could benefit from fewer speakers with stereo sound.

Using inexpensive or low-quality speakers may cause distortion that does not resonate well with patrons. If you run a small business, you may start with a wireless speaker hooked to your phone or a tablet to play music.

These are three types of speakers that could be good for in-store applications:

• Monoprice 8 In-Ceiling Speakers: These small speakers are installed right inside the ceiling, and they come with a low price point that could fit even a tight budget.
• Polk Audio Atrium 4 Series: These speakers are installed on or inside of a wall, and they offer better sound quality than the ceiling speakers we’ve mentioned.
• Bose FreeSpace 3 Series DS16SE: These surface-mounted speakers offer exceptional sound quality, and they’re appropriate for both indoor and outdoor applications. They are expensive, but you could find they’re worth the cost.

Increasingly, wireless speakers are bypassing amps and volume control hardware. Both software and hardware advancements have made wireless speakers produce high-quality sound. However, the connection to the audio source can be disrupted easily, and many of these speakers don't produce as high-quality sound as wired in-store setups do.

Ready to set up your sound system? Read our complete guide on sound system installation for businesses.

Plug-and-Play Sound Systems

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the equipment you need — and the demands of putting it all together — you're not alone. Figuring out the perfect setup is a complex process. You're already running a business, and learning the tools to set up an in-store music system can be more than you want to deal with directly.

Thankfully, plenty of plug-and-play options exist that make filling your room with sound a snap. These are popular companies:

• Pro Acoustics: This company specializes in commercial sound systems. If you’d like in-depth consults about what system might be right for you, this company is a good one to consider.
• Pure Resonance Audio: This commercial brand focuses on easy-to-use systems that are popular in small business environments. Plug-and-play systems are plentiful through this company.
• Crutchfield: This company sells both commercial and consumer audio components from multiple brands. Free system design and lifetime technical support make it a smart long-term option.

Some companies work with local companies to set up and install complete sound systems. These innovative partnerships allow you to work with one company on both playlists and equipment. A solution like this could be ideal if you’re short on time but need the right sound.

2. Choose a Music Streaming Service for Your Business

With your speakers and setup purchased, it’s time to determine what songs to play and how to access those songs. Streaming services make this step quick and efficient. Here’s what you need to know. 

Streaming Services for Personal vs. Business Settings

When you're creating a high-quality in-home audio setup, you are likely going to use your computer, tablet, or smartphone as a solution to play music at some point. There are dozens of music streaming services available for personal use, either for free by listening to occasional advertisements or for a subscription fee with no ads.

These are some of the most popular individual streaming services:

• Spotify
• Apple Music
• SoundCloud Go
• Tidal
• Google Play Music
• Amazon Prime Music

When you subscribe as an individual to these services, it is fine for you to use them in your home, car, or with headphones. However, you cannot legally play them in your business. If you read the consumer agreement that comes with each product, you’ll see disclaimers about public performances.

Let’s provide an example. You have a personal Spotify account, and you create a playlist that seems right for your business. Can you play this at work for your customers and employees? No, you can’t legally do so. You can’t use a personal account in a business setting.

Music Streaming Requirements for Businesses

Products made for businesses are different. Companies that make these products have arrangements with performing rights organizations (PROs), allowing you to play any of the songs in their library without violating any terms of agreement or copyright laws.

Per copyright laws, songs played in business environments are considered public performances. You must pay the copyright holder (such as the musician) for each performance. Without a license to do so, you could get fined.

Business-focused music streaming services manage licensing through multiple PROs, so a business owner can access a wider range of background music by subscribing to one. This is the service we offer at Pandora CloudCover, and it’s a game-changer for our clients.

What about PROs?

PROs like BMI, SESAC, and ASCAP work as enforcers of copyright. They connect with artists, publishers, and musicians and agree to ensure they get the payments they need each time their protected works are played.

Some small business owners form relationships with PROs directly, paying fees for access to the catalog. However, this can be a dangerous practice. A relationship with one PRO doesn’t mean you can play the music owned by all of them. You must be careful to ensure you don’t play music that’s not authorized.

Q: How much does Pandora CloudCover cost to provide background music streaming rights to businesses?
A: Pandora CloudCover offers powerful, affordable solutions for businesses of all sizes. Our plans start at just $16.95 per month (when prepaid annually).

3. Choose An In-Store Music Provider

You have the hardware and you have a good idea of what you want to play, but you need someone to help make your vision a reality. Who should you choose? Before you make this critical decision, consider a few key factors.

Music Availability

Music streaming services connect with PROs to gain access to song libraries. Some have extensive partnerships, allowing clients to choose from millions of songs. Others don’t have so many connections.

Before you sign up, determine how many songs your preferred company will allow you to play. Is everything you want available?

Customer Support

In a perfect world, nothing will go wrong. In reality, something always will. The right tech partner will be right by your side if your system malfunctions or goes down. You won’t have to wait days for a solution.

Cost

Prices range greatly. A bigger price tag doesn’t always mean a better product. Determine just what you’ll get for your money before you agree.

Reputation

Music streaming services have websites with information about the artists they work with, and they’re happy to connect you with sales staff who could pressure you to purchase. How can you ensure you’re making a smart decision?

Start by digging into customer reviews of every product you’re considering. What do people who have purchased the system say about it? How do they feel about it? If you can’t find a review on a site like Google, consider using Reddit for a deeper dive.

Some people use sites like Glassdoor to investigate companies before they purchase. If the company treats their employees well, they might do the same for you.

Finally, ask the company for a trial period. Ensure that it works in your area, is easy to use, and contains the music you want. If you don’t like the product after the trial, you could switch to a product that works a little better.

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4. Estimate the Costs of Installing and Managing Your In-Store Sound System

As a business owner, you have a lot of control over how much your in-store music solution will cost. Understanding the setup fees, along with any associated maintenance costs, can help you to make a smart decision.

Your setup costs can include the following:

Your maintenance costs include your subscription to a commercial music provider, a stable internet connection, and electricity to keep everything running. Many systems are designed to work without regular maintenance. However, ensure that you keep the speakers clean and free from direct hits and damage, so you won’t have to pay to repair or replace them.

5. Choose a Trusted Partner to Help Create and Manage Your In-Store Music System

Creating and managing an in-store music system is complicated, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Let us help you find and share the perfect background with your customers. Build your own station, or choose from one of our 200+ business music presets.

We'll help you set up the perfect receiver/speaker system, and we'll be with you if something goes wrong. Contact us for a demo today, or start your free trial now. Terms and conditions apply.

References

Amplifiers. (September 2017). ExplainThatStuff.com.

The Best Wireless and Bluetooth Speakers of 2018. (May 2018). PC Mag.

How the Top Music Streaming Services Compare. (March 2016). Business Insider.

Uncovering a Musical Myth: A Survey on Music’s Impact in Public Spaces. HeartBeats International.

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