“Cashless payments” is no longer a cannabis industry buzzword—it's proving to be a crucial component of dispensary success in 2022 and beyond.
Cannabis payment processors like digital ACH bank transfers and PIN debit are quickly growing in popularity. However, as a retailer, your job doesn’t end at implementing a digital or cashless payments solution. You need to help your customers understand how—and why—that option is better than cash.
In an industry where cash has long reigned supreme, convincing customers to use other payment methods might seem funny. But the truth is, cashless options are a much safer (and more convenient) option for both customers and dispensaries.
In this article, we’ll introduce 4 ways to increase adoption of cashless payments at your cannabis dispensary, including:
You want your customers to notice that you offer cashless payments at your dispensary.
Traditional advertising tells us that consumers need to be exposed to an ad 7 times before they notice it. In this case, that’s probably overkill, but you still need to nudge customers in the right direction if you want to increase adoption of your new payment offering.
Below are some easy and effective ways to advertise cashless payments in your dispensary.
Your payments partner should have these materials readily available and shipped to your dispensary so you can get started.
In order for your customers to understand that you have new payment offering, your website needs to be updated—especially if you’re offering online payments for ecommerce. In this case, your ecommerce menu in particular is prime real estate for communicating specials, discounts, promotions, and of course, the payment methods you accept.
Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
You might not have to include all of the above information on your site, but the more context you’re able to provide, the more comfortable your customers will feel with your cashless payment solution.
Run a digital marketing campaign to target both current and prospective customers at your dispensary. The goal of the campaign should be to let your audience know you know accept cashless payments.
The best digital marketing strategies are done over multiple channels. Here are some popular options:
Ideally, your payment provider will help you with assets to post to social as well as some copy to use across your channels.
Budtenders are the ambassadors of your cannabis dispensary. Their attitude will quickly convince (or deter) customers on the fence about your digital payment options, so make sure they're up-to-speed on the benefits of your new payment solution for customers.
Your budtenders should be able to answer the following questions as they relate to your cashless payment solution:
Many payments companies will provide training for your dispensary staff. Make sure to check with your provider to find out if this is an option.
Anytime is a great time to introduce the value of cashless payments to your customers! We’ve pulled together a few specific moments during the shopping experience to get you started, but you know your customers best.
As the banking and financial services outlook improves for the cannabis industry, both payment providers and cannabis retailers will see an increase in adoption.
Dutchie Pay is a fully-integrated digital payment solution that both dispensaries and consumers can trust for cashless payments. Using a closed-loop automatic clearing house (ACH) solution, Dutchie Pay allows consumers to purchase their favorite cannabis products while automating compliance so that dispensaries can focus on growing their business.
Oh, and did we mention that over 70% of shoppers who use Dutchie Pay at a dispensary return to that dispensary within 90 days?
Let's grow together. Contact us for a demo today.