If you own or operate a dispensary, you know that the cannabis industry is constantly evolving. One of the most recent innovations is the implementation of curbside pickup ordering. With this feature, customers can easily order their favorite cannabis products and pick them up without ever having to leave their car. It’s a convenient option for customers who are short on time, have mobility issues, or simply want to avoid entering a store.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend of contactless ordering and curbside pickup in the cannabis industry, as well as many other businesses. With social distancing and safety measures in place, customers have increasingly sought out ways to shop without entering stores or coming into close contact with others. Curbside pickup offers a solution that allows customers to quickly and easily order products online and pick them up without ever leaving their cars, reducing the risk of exposure. As a result, dispensaries that have implemented curbside pickup have been able to adapt to changing customer needs and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

How to Implement Curbside Pickup at Your Dispensary

If you’re interested in offering curbside pickup at your dispensary, here are some steps you can take to implement it effectively:

Step 1: Choose the Right Ecommerce Software

The first step in implementing curbside pickup at your dispensary is to choose the right ecommerce software. Look for a platform that offers a user-friendly interface for customers to place curbside orders, as well as a system to manage orders on your end.

Dispense has a streamlined curbside pick up flow, where the customer can easily message the store that they are "Here" plus add their car or spot details. The store gets alerted with the customer's arrival and additional information.

Step 2: Train Your Staff

Once you have the right ecommerce software in place, it’s time to train your staff on how to use it. This includes training on how to process orders, manage inventory, and fulfill orders for curbside pickup. Make sure that your staff understands the importance of customer service, even when customers aren’t physically inside the dispensary.

Step 3: Set Up a Dedicated Pickup Area

To make curbside pickup as smooth as possible, you’ll need to set up a dedicated pickup area. This area should be clearly marked and easy to find for customers. Consider installing signage or cones to guide customers to the pickup location. Make sure that the pickup area is well-lit and secure, to ensure the safety of both customers and staff.

Step 4: Promote Curbside Pickup to Your Customers

Once you have everything set up, it’s time to start promoting curbside pickup to your customers. Use your dispensary’s website, social media accounts, and email newsletter to let customers know about this new feature. Consider offering a promotion or discount to customers who use curbside pickup for the first time.

Step 5: Monitor and Improve

Finally, it’s important to monitor the effectiveness of your curbside pickup system and make improvements as needed. Keep track of how many customers are using curbside pickup, and ask for feedback to identify any areas for improvement.

Dispense has ordering features that work for curbside, such as text notifications when orders are ready for pickup and prepayment options via our integrations.

Dispense Offers Curbside Pickup

By following these steps, you can implement curbside pickup at your dispensary and provide a convenient and safe option for your customers. With the right ecommerce software, training, and promotion, you can make curbside pickup a successful part of your business.

Dispense offers many online ordering options including curbside pickup. Talk to us today about your dispensary's needs!