Whether you are in the planning stages of designing and opening your dispensary, or if you are remodeling store layout, you’ll want to give lots of thought to the in-store sales model. Each of these has their own advantages and disadvantages, and there’s no one “right” way to set up your dispensary sales model. Things you should consider when deciding on a sales floor model include: staffing, training, customer experience, profit margin, existing store fixtures and floor plan, and your overall brand.
These are the types of sales models that most dispensaries use.
1. Traditional Sales Counter
In this model, customers check-in at the reception area, and browse the store for products. Usually, customers peruse the dispensary displays on the sales floor and may also look at digital menus for pricing. Once they make their selections, they go up to the counter to buy the products which are kept behind the counter or in display cases at the sales counter. Sales are rung up and the customer goes home to enjoy their cannabis purchases.
Pros:
- Security compliance
- Lower staffing costs
- Reduced theft
- Works well in dispensaries with small floor plan
Cons:
- Customer flow can bottleneck during busy hours
- Potentially unsatisfying customer experience if wait times are lengthy
- Tough to speed up checkout process
- Budtenders may feel pressure to offer less customer education during peak hours
2. Self Service with Budtender Assistance (Open Floor Model)
This model has most of the products displayed on the sales floor, allowing customers to browse through products at their own pace, bringing them to the sales counter when they are ready to make their final purchase. Budtenders can come out to the sales floor to answer questions or make recommendations.
Pros:
- More similar to a traditional retail store experience
- Staffing needs are still low compared to other models
- More intuitive customer experience with more potential impulse purchases
- Customer flow can be faster, as experienced shoppers can find what they need quickly
Cons:
- Product samples must be secured according to regional compliance regulations
- Budtenders must be well trained to manage customers and answer questions
- Product loss is potentially higher, security systems should be in place
3. Floating Budtenders (Apple Store Style)
Customers check in and browse the dispensary floor. Product samples are displayed on the sales floor. Budtenders come to customers with iPad or tablet to take their order. Customer orders are packed in the back, and finished orders are brought to the customer.
Pros:
- More personalized customer service
- Ordering is quick and efficient
- Works well for dispensaries with high traffic
- Customer wait times are greatly reduced
Cons:
- Customers may have less opportunity to interact with product like flower on the sales floor prior to purchase
- Budtender must be thoroughly trained to make this sales model work
4. Self Serve Kiosks
Customers can browse the dispensary sales floor. Self serve kiosks with tablets for ordering are available so they can place orders and pay. The orders are packed in the back and customers can pick up the order at the customer sales counter.
Pros:
- Lower staff costs, one budtender can manage several kiosks
- Shorter customer wait times
- Efficient order and checkout process if customers are tech-savvy
Cons:
- Customers may still need help
- Kiosk tablets will need maintenance and occasional replacement
- Instructions, menus, user interface must all be crystal clear
5. Hybrid - In Store Service Plus Delivery
A dispensary can either be a central distribution center where deliveries are received, packed, and sent out for delivery, OR can be a dispensary processing online orders for delivery while simultaneously serving customers in-store.
Pros:
- Potential for more orders
- Increased customer base
- Flexibility to handle more orders and different types of customers
Cons:
- Only available in some states or regions where regulations allow delivery
- Increased complexity for managing order workflow and fulfillment
- More staffing is required
- Increased competition within a region for delivery orders
Bud Bar Displays: For Your Dispensary Merchandising Needs
Since the beginning of dispensaries, Bud Bar Displays has been an industry leader and innovator in cannabis product displays. No matter what type of layout or sales model you have for your dispensary, Bud Bar Displays will always make your cannabis products stand out. We’re committed to showcasing your cannabis products in the most professional, interactive way possible, while maintaining compliance with all regulations. For more information, or to talk with one of our sales representatives, contact us or call 916-858-2000 during business hours. We’d love to help your dispensary sell more products.
