Shop Owners - What music system???

[jdandtracy]

We are about to begin construction on our shop and have been researching everything under the sun. I feel that the quality of music makes a big difference, and want to install a nice system.
I was planning to purchase a nice amp/receiver and CD player, and to use four Bose 301 speakers in a 1200 sq ft shop. I would also purchase a Bose sub woofer...

Any advice on sound systems would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
JD Anderson

 

[Jackson]

That sound system sounds great. I believe a good sound system is important. Before buying a tuner and cd player, I would ask other shops in your area if ASCAP or BMI bother them. These companies go around to different cities in each state, and force anyone playing copyrighted music to pay fees. The fees are based on maximum occupancy, whether you have live music, if you ever charge a cover, etc. The fees could be several hundred dollars per year per agency.
One way around the fees would be to order digital music from your local cable company. When I open my own coffee shop, I plan to offer WI-FI, so I can use Vonage or another IPS. I will also get digital music, which offers a wide range of music styles to choose from. The digital music provider is responsible for all ascap and bmi fees as well.
One last point about your local cable company, if you are going to accept credit cards, make sure your credit card terminal uses broadband instead of dial up. It only takes about 3 seconds to process credit cards with a cable modem instead of 30 to 45 seconds. During peak periods, your customers will appreciate your service much more than if you use dial-up.
One last option, is to use Muzak, they supply all your equipment and also pay all the license fees. It will cost you more per month to use Muzak, trust me.

 

[woc]

Use EV EVID 6.2 SeriesBOSE are a waste in this application

I have used these many times (3 years in the Audio/Visual business) and they sound great for back ground music and okay for live stuff (if not too loud) and you should not need a sub with these; but that depends on your music choice. I plan on using these with a XM/Sirrus receiver and probably some thing like a TOA 700 series amp. Have them wired using the 70 volt taps, no need for stereo because you will not hear the difference and nobody else will be paying that much attention to the music and you will save on wiring costs.

 

[jdandtracy]

Thanks for all the great input.
I had heard that the digital music services allow commercial free music, without the additional fees or worries about copyrights.

It is interesting that your brought up the broadband for credit card processing. I had planned to use broadband, with internet phone service (I have Vonage at home).

My intention was to get two Vonage lines, one for phone and one for credit card transactions. Will this work??

I had planned to purchase a Stereo receiver/amp by Onkyo or Yamaha, as opposed to using an amp only. You mentioned a TOA 700 series amp... I'm not sure what that is, or how to set up it's wiring configuration when ordering. I can get what seem to be decent receiver/amp with 100-125 watts for about $350-400. I was assuming that would work fine... Any thoughts?

Thanks,
JD

 

[Jackson]

JD,
From what I understand, if you process credit cards via the internet, you will not have a separate phone number. It is an open direct line to the credit card processing company's computer.
If you are thinking about using Vonage, you may want two phone numbers. A voice line and a fax line. Here is the key to using Vonage for your service; When you buy your alarm system, make sure that it uses wireless technology to call the police.
In the past, companies used one separate dedicated line for the alarm system. Smart thieves these days will cut the phone lines to restaurants and coffee shops. Your alarm system will be useless if the police never receive the phone call from your alarm.
If you decide to buy a credit card processing machine, buy it used!!! Most processing companies hire a sales staff to sell their service. Most of the sales staff's income will come from the sale of new credit card processing machines. A $700.00 processing machine will net the sales person at least $350.00, plus they get paid the full activation fee. The rest of their income will come from a very small percent of every credit card transaction you process for as long as you work with their company. I do not mind paying someone for their services, but I will tell you that you will never see the sales person again after you sign on the dotted line. Coffee shops have a very low average ticket average for credit cards. You will pay a premium to process credit cards, maybe as high as 3.19%. You might get it as low as 2.9% but if you have to pay a transaction fee, you will be up to the 3.19% as mentioned earlier. The sales person could make as much as .10% of every transaction you make.
My point for this long post is this; you will not force the sales person into the free cheese line by buying a used machine.

 

[woc]

Either of those receivers would work fine. TOA is just a brand that makes mixer amps but a consumer stereo is a good alternative cheaper too.

As to the credit card processing, I too would recommend the LAN over dial up. I personally do not carry cash and waiting for my card to process can slow down your employees.

As to the music from the cable/dish company be careful, they like to have you sign long term contracts around here and I know of a casino that has been 'stuck' (their words) with bad music and limited choices because of it. I have visited a number of cafe and bars that are using an XM/Sirrus receiver and this seems to work very well for them when they put and antenna outside. I believe you a legally required to have a commercial account with XM/Sirrus you are not just supposed to bring yours in from the car.

 

[morrisn]

We use the Sirrus satellite system in our shop, it gives you a great music selection with very little talk. The biggest problem is getting the staff to understand it is there to provide the ambiance you are trying to achieve and not for them to listen to what they want.

 

[jdandtracy]

Thanks for all of your replies! I will check out a commercial account with Sirrus.
I will also go with broadband for credit card transactions.

JD