Cannabis dispensaries are rapidly expanding nationwide as more and more states legalize the use of cannabis. The retail cannabis experience is evolving, offering more and better services to consumers.
However, not all dispensaries are created equal. Certain practices and elements help some dispensaries stand out from competitors. We’ve compiled a quick overview of the essential qualities of a successful dispensary – knowing what to look out for is half the battle.
Compliance
In the cannabis industry, compliance is king. Compliance with government regulations might seem boring or uninteresting – but it is the foundation of a successful dispensary. For starters, all cannabis dispensaries have to comply with regulations to stay in business. A compliant dispensary is a long-term investment.
Dispensaries that make sure to meet regulatory requirements will automatically have a certain standard of product quality. Cannabis legislation covers the growing, handling, transportation, and preparation of cannabis products. A compliant, successful dispensary will always offer products which are high-quality, safe, and worth their price.
A dispensary of this sort will never have a bad batch or low-quality products. Complying with health and safety standards ensures that products are sourced reliably. Products which are grown in good conditions and processed, prepared, and stored in clean areas will always be less vulnerable to problems such as cannabis mold.
Dispensaries which possess this essential quality will be much better equipped to inform you about the effects of their products. This, in turn, makes it much easier for the staff to recommend a product based on what you are looking for. All of these factors boil down to a single, important point – compliant dispensaries are safe and reliable.
Atmosphere
A pleasant atmosphere can go a long way in making a successful dispensary. Although legal in an ever-expanding list of states, cannabis is not yet fully de-stigmatized. A dispensary that invests in creating a good atmosphere will both attract customers and help reduce the stigma around cannabis use.
Good product organization, lighting, architectural and interior design, as well as the quality of the staff, are crucial elements. A dispensary that makes sure these elements are present will create an atmosphere of relaxation, customer loyalty, comfort and convenience.
The atmosphere of a successful cannabis dispensary is an abstract term – in the end, we are all individuals who experience things differently. But the results of a good atmosphere are anything but abstract.
The road to achieving such an atmosphere requires planning, dedication, and a focus on quality. A dispensary with a good atmosphere cares about its customers and tries to improve their retail experience in any way that it can. This is the sign of a serious business venture.
Extensive Offering
Quality is an undeniable, essential goal for any business. The same is true for cannabis. However, to succeed in the cannabis industry, equal or even greater attention must be paid to how extensive the range of products being offered is.
Successful dispensaries offer an extensive range of products. Cannabis products are versatile – and the personal preferences of customers differ wildly. A dispensary which offers bud, edibles, vaporizer cartridges and resin will automatically cater to a much larger audience than a dispensary that only sells a single type of product.
Versatility is key. Being able to meet the demands of customers allows a dispensary to not only retain its clientele but to grow at the same time. Successful dispensaries offer a wide range of different products – and a wide range of choice within a product category.
The area where the extent of the products being offered matters the most is strains. Serious customers have developed tastes and preferences. A dispensary aiming for success will take their wishes into account. Including customers into the conversation when deciding what products to procure is an important step to success.
Competitive Pricing
The price of the products being sold is a key factor of any successful business. If a dispensary aims to expand and thrive, it has to offer competitive prices. Keeping the prices of products both low enough and stable enough is a tough goal, but one that pays off.
A dispensary that manages to offer competitive prices will both retain old customers and gain new ones. Keeping prices stable retains old customers – it has a habit-forming effect. Keeping prices low can help attract a larger share of the market.
A dispensary that has competitive prices is successfully adapting to the current market trends. The dispensaries that manage to keep doing this for a long time will invariably succeed.
Knowledgeable Budtenders
A knowledgeable and professional staff is one of the key elements of a successful dispensary. Dispensaries which employ quality workers foster a sense of familiarity and convenience. The atmosphere of a dispensary depends in large part on the quality of employees.
Knowledgeable budtenders help customers feel at ease and have the ability to recommend the exact type of product that customers need. This makes purchasing cannabis an easier and more enjoyable experience. That, in turn, increases the chances of people becoming regular customers.
As the cannabis market expands, dispensaries are becoming more and more similar to traditional, retail markets. The wide variety of products available, as well as the need for quality customer service, make budtenders an important factor of success.
Loyalty Reward
The popularity of subscription-based services is on the rise worldwide. This trend has also affected the cannabis market. A loyalty reward system is an important element of success for dispensaries.
Dispensaries that offer customers discounts, special sales, and referral programs foster a sense of community and brand loyalty. The benefits of a loyalty reward system for cannabis dispensaries are huge. A business that can count on a loyal base of customers has a solid foundation for the future.
Loyalty reward systems engage customers and make for fantastic marketing. Combined with social media, loyalty reward systems can be great tools for dispensaries seeking to attract new customers. A dispensary that has a system that encourages repeat purchases is one step closer to success.
