Yesterday, I wanted an extra spark of focus and creativity. I knew exactly what I needed to help me. I needed a sativa pre – roll from Sunnyside dispensary. I really like the quality of their pre – rolls. I purchased a one gram sativa dominant, Gastro Pop pre – roll. The joint did exactly what it was supposed to do; However, I didn’t smoke the joint until a couple hours after I left the dispensary. While in line at the dispensary, the patient before me had made her selection and was getting ready to check out. While finalizing her purchase her transaction was declined. I heard the Bud Tender say they don’t accept credit cards. The customer started to become agitated. I noticed the customer ruffling through her pocketbook frantically. The Bud Tender asked if she had a debit card or cash. The customer began to frantically ruffle through her pocketbook. As a Certified Ganjier, I could not just stand by and say nothing. I politely interjected and said to the Bud Tender, this was the perfect opportunity to let the inform the customer about the CanPay application. CanPay is the only debit payment app that allows you to pay for your purchase at cannabis retailers with a simple debit to your checking account when you make your purchase. The Bud Tender told me thanks, picked up a CanPay trifold and presented it to the customer. The assistant manager chimed in and told the customer she wasn’t familiar with CanPay but she has noticed me using it. I acknowledged the assistant manager with a head nod. The Bud Tender serving the customer with the credit card, informed the customer she could do an ATM cash advance with her credit card. The customer replied that she doesn’t use the ATM. The customer then asked how long her order could be held. The assistant manager informed the patient the order could be held for the remainder of the day. My Ganjier super senses kicked in again. I informed the customer to take the CanPay trifold outside to her car and look it over. I explained if it was something she agreed with, she could get the CanPay set up right in her car and if approved; she could come right back into the dispensary and make her purchase. The credit card customer left the store. Now I am at the register purchasing my pre – roll. The manager comes over to the register and gives me an unsolicited discount. I thanked her. She told me she appreciated the way I assisted the customer. I told her I appreciated the gesture. I also let her know I have spoken with the manager Braxton on many occasions. The assistant manager then went on to say, if I went on to Google and gave them a five – star review and mention her and Braxton, she would give me a ten percent stackable discount on my next visit. I don’t know about a five star review but I do like Sunnysides’ products. Instead of providing me with a discount, use that customer’s experience as an opportunity for Sunnyside dispensary in Panama City Beach Florida to focus on their standard operating procedures, customer service, product knowledge, and cross product references. Meeting the customer where they are at is the most important key here. Let’s use a couple different ways to allow this customer to leave with a positive experience. Credit cards can not be used in the state of Florida for retail medical marijuana transactions. As Bud Tenders let’s be proactive. When it comes to cards; let’s make sure we inquire before the card is swiped, as to whether the card is credit or debit. By knowing this in advance you will save the customer the embarrassment of being declined for using a credit card. Inform the customer that there will be a processing fee attached to any debit transaction at the register. Inform The customer they may withdraw from an ATM in the store then come back to the register and finish their transaction. If there are any other ancillary products like CanPay that can assist the customer in a situation like the above, try offering it to the customer as a method of added convenience for a smooth and quick transaction. In this scenario, I may have even given the customer a pre – roll and assured them we are here for them when they need us. As Bud Tenders, our ultimate goal, is to allow the customer to leave with a pleasant experience and to come back for future business. Something tells me the customer with the credit card was having an off day.
Smoking Chef