Essential Cannabis Training for Budtenders and Brands
Summary:
As cannabis retail continues to attract new and existing customers, the critical role of well-informed budtenders becomes increasingly evident. In this article, we explore the significance of budtenders in the cannabis retail landscape, the business risks associated with non-compliance, strategies to tackle high employee turnover, and the impact of enhanced training on Return on Investment (ROI).
Understanding the Critical Role Budtenders Play in Cannabis Retail
As cannabis continues to captivate novice and experienced customers, the expertise of well-informed budtenders is a cornerstone of retail success. These knowledgeable professionals are entrusted with delivering tailored recommendations for strains, products, and devices, aligning with each customer’s unique preferences and desired effects.
It’s worth noting that a substantial proportion of cannabis dispensary visitors, approximately sixty percent (60%), are first-time customers. This statistic underscores that a significant portion of the cannabis market comprises individuals new to the industry, lacking prior experience with cannabis products. Consequently, first-time customers heavily rely on budtenders to navigate the intricate world of offerings and make informed choices that align with their preferences, needs, and aspirations. A competent and helpful budtender can elevate the overall dispensary experience for these customers.
Navigating The Business Risks of Non-Compliance
Cannabis retailers must rigorously adhere to all pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations to avert potentially catastrophic legal repercussions. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in substantial fines, license revocation, and even criminal charges (as exemplified by the Illinois General Assembly). Non-compliance by dispensaries can inflict severe adverse consequences on customers, spanning from health hazards to restricted choices and legal uncertainties. It is imperative for dispensaries to prioritize compliance, ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of their customers while fostering responsible growth in the cannabis industry.
Non-compliance can have a detrimental impact on retail and cannabis customers in five core ways:
- Dips in customer retention: It costs five times more to acquire a new customer than it does to retain an existing one. When customers receive inadequate assistance or guidance, they may feel dissatisfied with their overall dispensary experience. Most often, this leads to a decline in retention, as patients or customers may choose to explore other dispensaries or alternative sources for their cannabis needs.
- Decreased patient/customer satisfaction: A study conducted on dispensary staff found that nearly all (94%) provide specific cannabis advice to customers. It’s important to understand that budtender recommendations can significantly influence satisfaction levels. Without proper guidance, individuals may struggle to find products that meet their needs, resulting in frustration and a tarnished association with your store.
- Poor reviews (online or word of mouth): Customers are 50% more likely to share bad experiences than good ones. This statistic highlights the impact of negative experiences on customer behavior and the importance of addressing customer concerns promptly. Negative reviews can quickly spread through word of mouth or online platforms, deterring potential customers from visiting a dispensary.
- Unpleasant in-store interactions: The dispensary experience extends beyond just the products. Visitors expect pleasant and informative interactions. Without proper, consistent training, budtenders will likely struggle to provide accurate information or suitable recommendations, leading to unsatisfactory experiences.
- Negative or disastrous end-user experiences: The gravest consequence of uninformed budtenders is the potential for detrimental end-user experiences. Recommending inappropriate products or strains, incorrect dosages, or failing to provide proper risk information can adversely impact individuals’ health and well-being. Such experiences not only harm customers but can also trigger legal repercussions and stain the dispensary’s reputation.
To mitigate these risks, dispensaries must prioritize effective, verified and up-to-date continuous education for their budtenders. Investing in comprehensive training programs, such as those offered by Seed Talent, equips employees with the essential knowledge to effectively guide customers.
By prioritizing education and expertise, dispensaries can amplify customer satisfaction, nurture positive reviews, cultivate lasting loyalty, and elevate the overall cannabis retail experience.
Embracing a Culture-Led Approach to Decisions
According to the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), July 2022 witnessed 5.9 million total separations, encompassing quits, layoffs, discharges, other involuntary turnovers, and more. Suffering from a high employee turnover rate incurs significant costs. When employees depart, companies must expend time, effort, and resources to recruit and hire replacements. This tedious process entails advertising job openings, screening resumes, conducting interviews, and potentially enlisting recruitment agencies. Furthermore, onboarding new employees necessitates training, orientation, and integration into the company’s culture – all activities that accrue expenses.
Research published in the 2022 Retention Report by Work Institute estimates the cost of employee turnover at approximately 33% of employees’ base pay. Replacing an employee brings about a period of decreased productivity when positions remain vacant or are filled by inexperienced staff members. The departure of seasoned team members may result in a loss of institutional knowledge and project delays, negatively affecting the company’s efficiency, output, and overall profitability.
Hiring new managers, budtenders, or any personnel in the cannabis industry is staggeringly expensive! Nurturing underperforming employees proves to be exceedingly more cost-effective than continually training new staff members. This approach also contributes to a culture characterized by positivity, empowerment, and confidence.
Enhanced Training and its Impact on Return on Investment (ROI)
Achieving and sustaining profitability necessitates strategic planning, effective management, and a keen focus on key financial factors. Profitability in dispensaries hinges on a delicate balance between revenue generation and cost management. Seed Talent recognizes that the cornerstone of profitability lies in maximizing sales. Our expertise lies in assisting dispensaries in crafting comprehensive sales strategies that captivate a loyal customer base, boost average transaction values, and stimulate repeat business.
Delivering value to consumers through both brand and retail interactions is crucial. Selling what customers truly need holds more promise for long-term profitability than pursuing products with the highest price tags. Satisfying customers with purchases that align with their needs not only supports the growth of a dispensary but also promises greater profitability in the future. Remember, prioritizing value over price is the key to enduring business success.
