The Shift from One-on-One Sales to Self-Guided Shopping
Advancements in retail technology are providing dispensaries with a superior alternative to one-on-one sales – self-guided dispensary shopping experiences. As staffing costs rise and consumers become more tech-savvy, a new sales model is emerging that benefits both dispensaries and customers. The Peak Beyond is at the forefront of this transformation, offering cannabis kiosks and dispensary menu software that enable cannabis retailers to achieve significantly higher revenue and exceptional ROI.
In the past, dispensaries relied on 'budtenders' to guide customers through a detailed sales process. While some budtenders are exceptionally knowledgeable and provide valuable insights, their advice can sometimes be subjective. This variability is particularly evident in newer markets, where finding highly skilled budtenders can be challenging.
Compared to interactive retail technology, having counter staff is costly and inefficient, requiring significant investment in hiring, training and compensating staff. Serving customers one-on-one also leads to long wait times and a less efficient shopping experience.
Why Self-Guided Shopping is Better
- Information at Your Fingertips: Customers can access detailed product information in-store, just as they would online. Having an easy-to-use dispensary digital menu empowers seasoned shoppers to find their favorite products quickly, while new customers can educate themselves using dispensary POS displays. This self-guided experience fosters brand loyalty and turns casual shoppers into dedicated fans.
- Faster Service and Flexibility: In high-traffic dispensaries, self-guided shopping with digital kiosks eliminates wait times by allowing customers to browse and order products on their own. Having interactive stations enables customers to choose the level of engagement they want. They can take their time exploring products or just opt for a quick checkout with minimal interaction. This makes the entire process smoother and more satisfying for everyone.
- Enhanced Customer Interaction: A common misconception is that technology reduces human interaction. In reality, a tech-based dispensary shopping experience enhances it by freeing up staff to assist customers more effectively.
Staff, no longer tied to processing sales, can focus on providing educational and personalized interactions. This allows them to connect with customers on a deeper level, offering tailored advice and information. New customers can easily be onboarded and educated about the store’s offerings, making the shopping journey more engaging and informative. - Tactile Engagement: By merchandising products on the floor, customers can physically interact with items, providing the necessary tactile engagement that online shopping lacks. This hands-on experience is crucial for customers who want to feel, smell and inspect products, enhancing their connection with the merchandise. The ability to engage with products in this way not only enhances the customer experience, but also helps build confidence in their purchasing decisions.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Tech-driven products like dispensary kiosks are not only easy to install and maintain but also offer significant cost savings. They reduce the need for extensive staffing, enabling employees to focus on more complex tasks that enhance the customer experience. With POS integrations, kiosks automatically sync and keep menus updated, eliminating the need for additional staffing hours to manage inventory and menu changes.
Digital dispensary kiosks can boost sales by providing a seamless checkout process, encouraging impulse purchases and making it easier for customers to complete transactions quickly. This combination of cost efficiency and sales growth makes kiosks a valuable addition to any dispensary. - Data-Driven Insights: By using the latest dispensary technology, stores can collect valuable consumer behavior data, helping them tailor marketing campaigns and optimize product offerings. This data-driven approach allows dispensary owners to make informed decisions about staffing and inventory, ultimately improving their bottom line.
Creating an Ideal Customer Experience
Tech-savvy customers appreciate the blend of engaging with physical products and the convenience of online shopping. Whether they are looking to learn more about products or simply want a quick checkout process, self-guided dispensary POS displays and merchandising stations with built-in interactive retail technology provide an ideal shopping experience.
This tech-driven sales process not only enhances efficiency but also offers retailers valuable data to analyze purchase patterns and customize client interactions. While the consultative sales model has its place, it is often outdated, expensive and time-consuming. Self-service dispensary technology empowers customers to make their own purchasing decisions, leading to a more satisfying and autonomous shopping experience.
What This Means for Dispensary Owners
Embracing a tech-driven sales model means creating a dispensary shopping experience that customers will look forward to. It allows for more efficient use of staff, freeing them from the constraints of a traditional sales counter. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, so too should sales models. Moving away from the cumbersome one-on-one sales approach aligns with the preferences of modern consumers who value independence and control in their shopping journey.
Moving Beyond the Outdated Consultative Approach
Brick-and-mortar stores can transcend the limitations of the traditional one-on-one selling model by adopting modern, tech-driven solutions. These innovations empower customers, increase profits and build customer loyalty.
Get in touch with The Peak Beyond to learn how you can transform your retail cannabis sales with cutting-edge dispensary kiosks and interactive product stations. You will be amazed as you get to know all of the benefits of self-guided dispensary shopping.
