As more cannabis dispensaries open, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out. Competition is inevitable. If your cannabis retail operation wants to make it in the long run, you have to provide customers with exceptional experiences.
How a Loyalty Program Can Transform Your Cannabis Dispensary
One proven (and cost-effective) strategy is to launch a loyalty program that will help you rise above the competition. In fact, here are some key advantages of loyalty programs for dispensaries.
Loyalty Programs Build Stronger Relationships
The relationship your dispensary has with customers is huge. They are the lifeline of your business. Without customers, your dispensary cannot survive. So how do you cultivate great customer relationships? (Hint, it goes beyond providing premium products.) Building a connection with your customer means providing them an experience that cannot be had elsewhere, and the right loyalty program can do exactly that.
By rewarding your most loyal customers and offering them something they’ll love, you’ll build deeper bonds. Plus, they will be more likely to return to your dispensary again and again.
Loyalty Programs Reduce Advertising Costs
Did you know that a loyalty program could actually save you money? It’s estimated that it costs a business 5-10x more to acquire new customers than to sell to existing ones. Acquiring new customers is costly, not to mention difficult.
Marketing laws are very strict for cannabis companies, which means that most dispensaries are limited to text marketing and emails to engage their target fan base. This presents a unique challenge for cannabis businesses. On the flipside, it also creates the opportunity for dispensaries to engage current customers.
A loyalty program helps track which customers are making the most purchases and what products they are buying. This information is invaluable! It provides crucial insight into what customers want from your dispensary. By better understanding your audience, you can create more targeted advertising initiatives, and maximize your marketing budget and impact.
Loyalty Programs Elevate Your Brand
When someone feels appreciated by a business, they are more likely to recommend it to others. By creating a solid loyalty program, you can keep your dispensary top of mind, turn top customers into advocates, and boost your retail brand. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a big cannabis brand to create advocates. Even a small mom-and-pop shop can offer customers an experience they can’t help but share.
3 Loyalty Programs to Implement at Your Cannabis Dispensary
Building a loyal customer base at your cannabis dispensary can be a multifaceted effort, and things like having your budtenders prepared for any customer question or creating a relaxed atmosphere can go a long way toward repeat patrons. However, one way to truly set yourself apart and create increased customer loyalty at your dispensary can come in the form of various programs. Here are three ideas to experiment with to see what works best for you:
1. Bring a Friend Rewards
Since the ultimate goal of a loyalty program is to keep current customers coming back and entice new ones to visit, offering a discount for bringing a friend can work wonders. It’s up to the cannabis dispensary to determine how they want to structure it, but typically people will receive a set dollar amount off their next purchase for each new customer they refer to your shop.
2. Points for Purchase
Before the thought of keeping track of points has you running for the hills, think about how you might be able to utilize your cannabis pos system to help with customer loyalty. Your shop could offer any point system you like, but most tend to opt for the reward of one point per every $1 spent, and points can be redeemed for discounts once a certain amount has been accumulated. Imagine if your technology could help with the implementation of this idea and keep track for you!
3. Discount Cards
This idea is like a sandwich punch card for a cannabis dispensary, where after your ninth purchase you get a discount on your tenth. Again, the terms of the deals your shop offers can vary to your liking, but there’s something to be said for customers carrying your card in their wallet at all times. Discount cards can be an extra incentive for patrons who visit your location frequently, as they’ll probably brag to their friends about how much money they’ve saved.
Whether it’s keeping customers happy, a form of market research or an easy way to become the favorite cannabis dispensary in town, the benefits of using a customer loyalty program are endless. Remember, using your cannabis pos system can help to streamline all of these ideas and make it super simple to track points, discounts, and referrals.
Learn how you can offer a remarkable experience and build customer loyalty with a reliable cannabis point-of-sale system that sets your business apart. Request a free demo today.
