Choosing the right cannabis POS software is essential for dispensaries looking to streamline inventory management. A good solution should include features like integrated scales, automated menu updates, and real-time stock reports.
POS systems with data insights can help dispensaries forecast and plan inventory, staff for busy days and times, and create marketing campaigns based on customer demographics.
Automated Reminders
The shelf life of most cannabis products is very short, and overstocking can lead to wasted products. A cannabis dispensary POS software that can send automated reminders to staff when stock levels are low helps to minimize waste. This is especially important when a dispensary offers time-based discounts to encourage shoppers to visit during slower times of the day.
A good dispensary POS system will also help you stay compliant with local laws. The system can record sales data and inventory details and sync them with your accounting software to simplify bookkeeping and compliance reporting. Some POS systems also have a dashboard to monitor performance across your retail locations.
The system can also connect to digital displays throughout your store to display featured brands, new arrivals, and sales promotions. Its user-friendly interface makes training employees and getting up and running quickly easy. It also works offline, so it can continue to operate even when Wi-Fi is down. Other POS providers offer similar capabilities. They can be used with many hardware options, including tablets, displays, barcode scanners, weighing scales, and cash registers. They also integrate with auxiliary services, like marketing and CRM tools. They also feature a wide array of payment processing solutions and support Metrc and other seed-to-sale tracking systems.
Inventory Tracking
Having accurate inventory information is key to running a successful dispensary. The best POS systems offer features that help you track and monitor both cannabis and non-cannabis items. Look for a solution that allows you to input product weights automatically and offers seed-to-sale traceability. Some POS providers even allow you to integrate your scales with the system for easier data entry.
POS software also lets you quickly track customer and purchase history, providing invaluable insights for your business. This data can be used to forecast and plan inventory needs, offer discounts and coupons to segmented customer groups, and improve marketing and sales strategies.
A good POS system also helps to speed up the checkout process and decrease lines. Many POS systems also come with a built-in loyalty program that can be used to drive repeat business, especially during slower times.
A POS system that supports omnichannel selling also gives you the flexibility to offer subscriptions, curbside pickup, or delivery for customers who prefer these options. You can also use your POS to manage pre-orders and offer a more personalized experience for your customers by offering personalized recommendations or product suggestions.
Barcode Scanner
A barcode scanner makes it easier for your budtenders to record purchase details, speeding up sales. It also allows you to track inventory in-store, eliminating the need for manual data entry. In addition, most POS systems allow you to sync accounting software and other financial tools to keep your records in order.
Some POS systems offer ID scanning and customer loyalty features, allowing you to stay in compliance with cannabis purchasing regulations. These can be used to verify a customer’s age and to help you build returning customers. Many systems have built-in business analytics tools, so you can identify the most popular products and services to drive future growth.
Many dispensaries offer time-based discounts to encourage shoppers to visit during slower periods of the day. Using your POS system to schedule these promotions can help you boost revenue and manage staffing requirements.
Choosing the right POS provider for your cannabis shop can make or break your success. If you don’t have the right system, getting a handle on your sales and service data and improving operations will be difficult. If you choose a company with an established track record, you can be confident they’ll deliver the quality you need to run your business successfully.
Scale Integration
In addition to facilitating fast, secure payments for customers at your store, cannabis POS systems help you closely track customer buying patterns. This can help you stay compliant with state regulations, especially those involving purchase limits for individual consumers.
Moreover, many modern dispensary POS solutions offer more advanced analytics and business intelligence tools that can further streamline your inventory management efforts. These include custom reports based on data trends for specific periods and comparative pricing analysis across your dispensary network.
When choosing a cannabis POS solution, consider how much you’re willing to spend and what features are most important for your business. A comprehensive cannabis POS software package should include the following:
- A seed-to-sale traceability system.
- Compliance monitoring.
- Online ordering and pre-ordering.
- Loyalty integration.
- Inventory tracking.
- Other features that can make running your store more efficient.