Dispensaries play an integral role in the cannabis industry. They’re the businesses that provide customers with high-quality, legal cannabis products, including fresh flower, tinctures, edible products, vape cartridges, concentrates and topicals. Many also sell accessories like rolling papers, grinders, and more. Customers really depend on dispensaries to get the cannabis products and accessories they need.
As more states legalize cannabis and its popularity continues to rise, the number of dispensaries is on the rise too. That means consumers have more options when it comes to where to get their products. To keep current customers and bring in new ones, dispensaries need to know why customers will choose their shop over other nearby shops. There are ways to make a dispensary stand out from the ever-growing crowd.
What is it that makes a good dispensary? How does it separate itself from the competition? Here are seven characteristics of a good dispensary.
1. A Broad Menu of Quality Products
The world of cannabis has grown quite a bit in recent years. The market is more diverse than just buds for grinding and smoking. Today, there are all manner of vape oils, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and more.
A good dispensary needs to stock a wide range of high-quality products for its customers. Several options at a range of price points can help keep a wide range of customers satisfied. Stocking accessories can be beneficial, too. That way, the dispensary can be a one-stop shop for many customers.
2. Friendly, Knowledgeable Budtenders
Buying cannabis products is a bit more nuanced than walking in and grabbing something off the shelf. Many of the people who walk through the front door may not know quite what they want or need. They might require some assistance narrowing down their options. Or, they might be new to cannabis and have absolutely no idea where to start.
To help customers navigate the dispensary, the dispensary’s staff needs to be knowledgeable about the products in stock. These individuals, known as budtenders, need to be able to ask the right questions. They need to be able to match customers with the best products for their specific needs or goals. Additionally, they should be able to provide helpful tips and recommendations with ease.
Not only do budtenders need to be experts on a wide range of cannabis products, but they also need to be warm and friendly. Charismatic budtenders can make all the difference.
3. An Inviting, Comfortable Atmosphere
Customers should feel comfortable in a dispensary. In addition to excellent budtenders, an inviting atmosphere can also go a long way. There are a few components to set an inviting mood in a cannabis dispensary, such as:
- Lighting
- Shop design
- The placement of the products
- Employee attire/uniforms
- Music
The right ambiance can make even the most nervous customers feel a little more comfortable when they enter a dispensary. Customers are likely to feel more willing to stick around and check out everything the shop has to offer. They might find it easier to approach budtenders for recommendations or answers to their questions. In short, the right atmosphere can make the entire shopping process more pleasurable.
4. A Willingness to Share Lab Results
Part of compliance for dispensaries involves purchasing and stocking products that have undergone third-party lab testing. Testing ensures that consumers know what they’re buying and that what they’re buying is safe.
Cannabis product labels will show some of the test results, including information on the cannabinoid profile, terpene profile, and product potency. They also let customers know if the item has passed or failed for the presence of contaminants such as pesticides, microbes, mold, and mildew.
While this information may be sufficient for some customers, others may want more information regarding the test results. Part of what makes a good dispensary is being more than happy to share test results with those who are curious to learn more.
5. Security
A good dispensary should have a security officer present for a few reasons. First, a guard can keep potential troublemakers from entering the shop, ensuring a smooth experience for business owners, employees, and customers at once. Second, a guard can make dispensary employees feel safer. They can relax and focus more on customers knowing that there’s someone there to protect them should something happen.
Third, a guard at the dispensary door can provide customers with a greater sense of security. They can make their purchases more confidently, knowing they’re shopping in a safe location.
6. Competitive Pricing
When it comes to selling cannabis, states typically tack on some hefty taxes. In California, there’s a 15% excise tax on all cannabis products. Providing a good deal for customers hasn’t always been easy. However as more dispensaries open, it’s becoming easier for dispensaries to offer more competitive pricing.
Attractive pricing is one way to keep customers coming back. Special deals, loyalty programs for frequent shoppers, and even offering discounts on products that have been sitting around for a bit are signs that a dispensary values its customers.
7. Visibility in the Local Community
Potential customers might walk by the dispensary on their way to work or while out running errands, but they probably see several dispensaries these days. A good dispensary maintains and increases visibility, which is essential to stand out from the growing dispensary market. Many dispensaries get involved in the local community, such as donating money to local charities or participating in a community event.
Another way a dispensary can get involved in a community is by offering free classes or talks. These could include programs such as an edibles cooking class or a lecture and question and answer held by an activist. With such activities, a dispensary positions itself as a member of a community that provides something of value to potential customers and community members beyond.
Stand Out from the Competition
There are dispensaries, and then there are great dispensaries. Having knowledgeable staff, a broad range of products, and a willingness to share third-party lab test results are excellent starting points. An inviting environment and active, engaged role in the community can also help establish a dispensary. These are the dispensaries that are most likely to attract and keep business.
If you need help with any component of running your dispensary, an experienced California cannabis consulting firm can help. M Consulting Experts are here to provide you with advice, tips, and more regarding compliance, branding, operations, and more. As your cannabis facility operations consultant, they can help you run your dispensary successfully. For more information, contact M Consulting Experts today.