9 Tips for Picking a Dispensary Mobile App

1. Compliance with Regulations

One of the most critical aspects to consider when selecting a dispensary mobile app is its compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding cannabis sales and advertising. The app should provide features that help you maintain compliance, such as age verification among others.

On top of that, your new piece of tech should stay compliant in the app stores where it will be launched, and kept updated to adhere to emerging technical specifications or run the risk of getting out of commission. By working with a diligent software development team, you can be sure that your mobile app stays running smoothly and legally across all touchpoints. 

 

2. Integration with Existing Systems

A user-friendly dispensary mobile app should effortlessly integrate with your existing point-of-sale (POS), e-commerce, and rewards platforms. This compatibility guarantees a smooth transition for your staff and customers, eliminating the need for manual data entry or using multiple software solutions throughout the customer journey.

Fortunately, Digital Awesome's DispensaryMate excels in this area. Utilizing proprietary API integrations, dispensaries can create an enjoyable, engaging, and addictive mobile app that incorporates the functionalities of their respective e-commerce, POS, and rewards software, while expanding upon them with features that encourage shopping and social sharing.

3. Customization and Branding

Your dispensary's mobile app should serve as an extension of your brand. Seek an app that enables you to customize the look, feel, and features to align with your dispensary's unique brand identity. These customization options will contribute to a cohesive user experience and reinforce brand recognition among your customers.

It's essential to distinguish between white-label mobile apps, which merely let you select basic color schemes and add your logo and a fully custom app design. A truly customized app embodies your brand at every touchpoint, allowing you to maintain a distinct appearance without concern for resembling other businesses.

4. User-friendly Interface and Navigation

The app's layout should be intuitive and easy to navigate, enabling customers to seamlessly browse products, access crucial information, and make purchases without any difficulties.

A user-friendly interface is particularly important for first-time cannabis users who may be unfamiliar with various products and strains. Custom categories and filters play a significant role in this aspect. By incorporating a strategic product taxonomy and search filters in your app, you can help shoppers navigate with ease, ultimately increasing the chances of sales. After all, no one likes feeling overwhelmed by a sea of products or getting lost while shopping.

With DispensaryMate, shoppers can browse products based on offers, benefits, strains, and categorizations tailored to your dispensary's buyer archetypes.

5. In-app Communication and Support

Providing personalized support and recommendations to customers is a valuable aspect of the cannabis shopping experience. Choose an app that offers in-app communication features, such as chat or messaging, allowing customers to connect with your dispensary for a bunch of purposes.

Here are ways to maximize your communication channels within the app:

• Personalized Product Recommendations: Use the in-app chat function to provide personalized product recommendations based on customers' preferences, needs, and previous purchases. This can help increase sales by suggesting relevant products and improving the overall customer experience.
   
• Live Chat Support: Offer real-time Budtender assistance through live chat support to help customers with their inquiries, resolve issues, and guide them through the purchasing process. This can improve customer satisfaction and increase the likelihood of making a sale.
   
• Chatbots for Basic Inquiries: Implement AI-powered chatbots to handle frequently asked questions, freeing up your Budtenders for more complex customer interactions for better response times.
   
• Collect Feedback and Reviews: Use the chat function to gather valuable feedback and reviews from customers. This can help you understand their needs, preferences, and pain points, allowing you to make improvements and tailor your offerings accordingly.
   

6. Marketing and Advertising Capabilities

A dispensary mobile app should include tools for promoting special offers, deals, and events directly within the app. This functionality allows you to engage with customers and encourage repeat business effectively. Look for features like push notifications, in-app banners, and customizable promotions to maximize your marketing efforts. 
 

7. Loyalty and Rewards Program Integration

Customer retention is critical in the cannabis industry, and integrating your existing loyalty program with your mobile app is an effective way to encourage repeat business. Ensure the app you choose allows customers to earn and redeem rewards seamlessly through the platform.

Unlike current apps that only allow customers to earn and monitor rewards, DispensaryMate allows full shopping and reward experiences like Starbucks. Digital Awesome works with leading rewards providers like Spring Big among many others.
 

8. Analytics and Reporting

Access to comprehensive data on app usage, customer behavior, and sales performance is essential for making informed business decisions. Choose a dispensary mobile app that provides robust analytics and reporting features, helping you identify trends, optimize your product offerings, and improve overall customer satisfaction.

9. Pricing and Ongoing Support

When evaluating dispensary mobile apps, consider the initial setup cost, monthly maintenance fees, and the level of technical support provided by the app developer. Choose a solution that fits your budget while still offering the necessary features and support to ensure your app's success.

DispensaryMate provides everything you need for a complete shopping and rewards experience through a low startup cost and a month-on-month subscription-based package. This approach helps dispensaries stand out from the crowd without negatively impacting their bottom line.

In summary, choosing the right dispensary mobile app for your cannabis business requires careful consideration of factors such as compliance, integration, customization, and user experience. By investing in a mobile app solution tailored to your dispensary's unique needs and goals, you can improve customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive sales in this rapidly growing industry.

Related:

• 9 Tips for Picking a Dispensary Mobile App
• Custom Mobile Apps or White-Label Dispensary Apps: Which is the Best Choice for Cannabis Dispensaries?
• To Refer Or Not To Refer?

Discover more about the DispensaryMate app and see how it can support your CannaBiz: