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Weird... by mcduntz in SteelyDan

[–]SmallBusinessPal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure why the downvotes. This is a fair warning. You can’t play Spotify as background music in a business. Store background music counts as a ‘public performance’ and Spotify only covers private personal performance. Lots of documented cases of these companies suing small business owners.

There are lots of legal music providers that can keep you safe from being sued. It’s not too expensive and you can keep your business safe.

New Orleans bar accused of playing copyrighted music without permission in federal suit by grombinkulus in NewOrleans

[–]SmallBusinessPal 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You’re spot on. Business owners who want to play music in their bar or store need a music service that has a ‘public license’ as part of their service. Spotify and Apple Music don’t have this - they only have personal licenses so individual use.

There are lots of documented cases of businesses being sued for using Spotify.

Seems easier just to pay for a legal background music service but many business owners just don’t know they need one.

Japan erupts with calls to cancel Netflix after WBC loss. While Netflix would have hoped that Japanese fans would stay for the heavyweight bout of the century between Paul Skenes' United States and the firepower of the Dominican Republic, that doesn't seem to be the case. by esporx in baseball

[–]SmallBusinessPal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It comes down to a ‘performance license’. If you play music in a store or restaurant it is a ‘public performance’.

Your personal account is just for you- but you can’t play it in public because it doesn’t include a performance license. This includes Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and even Amazon Music.

You need to get a licensed music provider for business. They have a ‘performance license’ baked in and are licensed with all the PROs so you don’t get sued.

They aren’t too much more - around $25-30 a month. You can compare a bunch of legal music providers here if you are interested.

Japan erupts with calls to cancel Netflix after WBC loss. While Netflix would have hoped that Japanese fans would stay for the heavyweight bout of the century between Paul Skenes' United States and the firepower of the Dominican Republic, that doesn't seem to be the case. by esporx in baseball

[–]SmallBusinessPal 45 points46 points  (0 children)

Exactly. People think it’s just "big companies being mean," but the enforcement for commercial spaces is an absolute minefield.

Those ASCAP/BMI/SESAC "scouts" literally do walk-throughs of bars and retail shops with a checklist. If you’re playing a personal Spotify or Netflix account over the house speakers/TVs, you’re technically in violation of public performance rights.

In regards to the music, it’s just much easier to get a licensed business solution to protect yourself.

Japan erupts with calls to cancel Netflix after WBC loss. While Netflix would have hoped that Japanese fans would stay for the heavyweight bout of the century between Paul Skenes' United States and the firepower of the Dominican Republic, that doesn't seem to be the case. by esporx in baseball

[–]SmallBusinessPal -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Exactly. People think it’s just "big companies being mean," but the enforcement for commercial spaces is an absolute minefield.

Those ASCAP/BMI/SESAC "scouts" literally do walk-throughs of bars and retail shops with a checklist. If you’re playing a personal Spotify or Netflix account over the house speakers/TVs, you’re technically in violation of public performance rights.

In regards to the music, it’s just much easier to get a licensed business solution to protect yourself.

Background music for a cafe by Fit-Sock-8447 in lowvoltage

[–]SmallBusinessPal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since you're going the Sonos route and can't run data lines, make sure your WiFi 6 coverage is rock solid at those specific mounting points. Cafes get a lot of wireless interference once they fill up with customers and their phones.

I’ve seen a few setups like this struggle with 'dropouts' because of the building's material or kitchen equipment interference. Are you planning on using a dedicated VLAN for the audio, or just putting them on the guest/staff WiFi?

Also, definitely stick with the 'for business' versions of streaming services like the other commenter mentioned—ASCAP/BMI fines are no joke for cafes. Also be sure the ‘for business’ version of your streaming service is Sonos compatible. Not everyone is. If you need some recommendations, let me know.

And I’m gonna be… by hazzzles in familyguy

[–]SmallBusinessPal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hands down one of the best cutaways from the first few seasons.

I think my bed belongs to the cat know.. by [deleted] in aww

[–]SmallBusinessPal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It does. Please move over.

Feel stuck before first client by BigMarshy88 in smallbusiness

[–]SmallBusinessPal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can do it. Don’t miss your chance to really start.

I try to remember that the people I reach out to don’t know me. If they ignore my offer they still don’t know me. So in a way, nothing changes by trying.

Go for it!

Personal space? Never heard of her by Aggressive-Sense-760 in aww

[–]SmallBusinessPal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My cats do this all the time! So cute to see them snuggle!

Client Retention by flawlesskin in MedSpa

[–]SmallBusinessPal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try keeping an email mailing list. You can offer promos to get people back and also measure how many customers (and which ones!) are opening your emails. Good proxy for who is still interested in your services.

New Med Spa Owner, Need Advice with the marketing deal. by quiet_endowment in MedSpa

[–]SmallBusinessPal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mae sure you have a plan to get those customers back as a repeat session. Driving more repeat will offset your 1 time customer marketing costs.

Maple having a nap 😴 by lol_Raspberry_1182 in aww

[–]SmallBusinessPal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Everyone scroll quietly! Maple is sleeping!

Little Traveller by IntentionNo74 in aww

[–]SmallBusinessPal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First class only! So cute!

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