Why Do They Play Music in Public Places?

Short answer: Mind Control.

Loud vocal music inhibits logical thinking, prevents conversation, and promotes impulsive decisions.

This is a deliberate action, based on extensive research.

So that “music” you hear is not played for your entertainment.

For example:

While Shopping

Loud, vocal music discourages reading labels, evaluating products, asking questions, talking to the person with you, and making decisions.

In total, it makes you a less effective shopper.

It can also ruin the shopping experience.

Once I had a headache by the time I left the store.

With Ads

Some stores play music with ads.

This is very clever.

Just before each ad, there’s a moment of silence.

As a result, people relax their resistance to the noise. And that causes them to pay more attention to the ads.

During Negotiations

Auto dealers play music because it puts the customer at a disadvantage during price negotiation.

Then there’s another trick they play on customers.

When you go for a test drive, the sales person will turn on the radio. Loud.

This prevents you from listening to how the vehicle performs.

When I test drive a car, I turn off the radio. I turn off the air conditioner. And I turn off the conversation.

Then I tell the sales person that I want to listen to how the car performs.

In Restaurants

Fast music makes people eat faster.

It also inhibits conversation. As a result, people finish eating in less time.

So restaurants play fast, loud, vocal music because it helps them sell more food in less time.

While that’s good for profits, it’s bad for you.

You end up eating too much, too fast, without enjoying the dining experience.

Once I asked a restaurant manager to turn off the music.

Once the music stopped, everybody began talking. And the general atmosphere felt more relaxed.

What Can You (the Customer) Do?

You can:

1) Ask the manager to turn off the music.

2) If someone rejects your request, ask to speak to that person’s boss.

3) Walk out. And tell them why you’re leaving.

4) Go outside to negotiate or eat.

5) Shop elsewhere, or shop on-line.

6) Phone customer service. Of course, be polite and be positive.

7) Write a letter. Or send a comment from the company’s web site.

8) Send them an e-mail.

9) Share this article with others so that they can help you.

10) Wear ear plugs.

Amazing Quotes

1) “Our CEO likes trendy music and personally picked the entire play list.” -> If the CEO spends time on tasks like this, you need a new CEO.

2) “The reason we keep doing this is not enough people have complained.” -> What if thousands of people complained.

Preserving Silence, One Article at a Time

Find More at:

Why Silence – Blog post on the Power of Silence

Are You as Sick of Loud Music in Stores as I Am? – Article about music in stores