As a seasoned business advisor specializing in the cannabis industry, I’ve seen it all—the highs and lows, the successes and setbacks. But nothing quite prepared me for the chaos that ensued on 4/20 when Dutchie, a popular cannabis POS system, faltered under the pressure of the industry’s busiest day.
For cannabis entrepreneurs, 4/20 is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a culmination of months of preparation, anticipation, and marketing efforts. But when your POS system fails to keep up with the demand, it can quickly turn festivities into frustration.
In the aftermath of Dutchie’s 4/20 meltdown, it’s crucial for business owners and managers to take stock of the situation and learn from the experience. Here are some key insights and actionable steps to ensure your cannabis business stays resilient in the face of POS pitfalls:
- Evaluate Your Current System: Take a critical look at your existing POS setup. Is it equipped to handle peak demand, or are there potential bottlenecks waiting to happen? Assess the reliability, scalability, and user-friendliness of your POS system.
- Invest in SOPs and Training: Even the most advanced POS technology is only as effective as the people using it. Implement standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and provide comprehensive training to your staff to ensure smooth operations, especially during busy periods like 4/20.
- Consider Your Software Options: Choosing the right seed-to-sale software is crucial for the long-term success of your cannabis business. Our guide, “How to Choose Your Seed to Sale Software,” offers invaluable insights and recommendations tailored to businesses of all sizes, from mom and pop shops to enterprise-level operations.
- Advocate for and Prepare for Reform: While Dutchie’s 4/20 debacle may have left many questioning the reliability of standalone POS systems, the traditional all-in-one solutions, such as ERP platforms, or many the other POS systems, in other industries, offer a comprehensive approach to managing every aspect of business, from inventory management to compliance. The owner of Curio Wellness Cannabis Retail Stores in Maryland said in a recent MBIZDAILY article:
- “This outage is yet another indicator that the industry is in major need of reform,” she said.
- “This reaffirms our need for more accessible methods of payment and SAFER Banking, to ensure we don’t lose essential sales and that our consumers have access to safe, legal cannabis, as is their right in many states across the U.S.” And we couldn’t agree more.
- Plan for Contingencies: No POS system is immune to occasional hiccups, but proactive planning can mitigate their impact. Have backup processes in place, such as manual transaction methods or alternative payment systems, to keep your business running smoothly in the event of a POS failure. And when the day comes where we can use the same tools that other industries use, we will be able to access more reliable systems at a more affordable price. And we will be here to help you implement and train your teams on how to use the best of the best POS for cannabis, in each of the industries eras.
- Learn from the Experience: Every setback presents an opportunity for growth. Take the lessons learned from Dutchie’s 4/20 failure and use them to strengthen your business operations. Adapt, evolve, and continually strive for excellence in customer service and efficiency.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, adaptability and preparedness are key to staying ahead of the curve. By investing in the right SOPs, online courses, and POS implementations, you can safeguard your business against potential pitfalls and position yourself for long-term success.
Remember, the journey to success is not without its challenges, but with the right guidance and resources at your disposal, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way. Here’s to smoother operations, happier customers, and brighter futures for all cannabis entrepreneurs.
