How Waitlist Technology Is Giving Cannabis Dispensaries an Edge Over the Competition

Andy Fate
NextMe
Published in
3 min readDec 6, 2023

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, the market is becoming more saturated with dispensaries hoping to establish themselves as key players in the industry. To stay ahead of the game, savvy dispensary owners are increasingly turning to technology to enhance the customer experience and streamline their operations. While point of sale and inventory tracking technology often comes to mind first, your front of house (FOH) experience is equally critical to your bottom line and can be greatly improved with waitlist software. Unlike most waitlist software that’s designed specifically for restaurants, NextMe’s modern virtual waiting room is designed with cannabis in mind; helping dispensaries across the nation differentiate themselves by delivering an efficient, enjoyable and compliant waiting experience.

Increase Efficiency: By automating the waiting process, NextMe’s software increases dispensary efficiency. Staff can easily manage waitlists, notifying customers when it’s their turn to enter the dispensary, and set capacity limits. This technology also allows for real-time data and analytics, providing insights on customer wait times, peak hours, and other key metrics. Dispensaries can then use this data to make informed decisions about staffing and operations.

Eliminate Lines: Dispensaries that use NextMe have a more streamlined intake process that begins with customers checking in from their cars or homes. As they arrive, they are added to the virtual queue, making it easy for the dispensary to manage the influx of customers throughout the day. This digitized process means that customers no longer have to experience the frustration of waiting for long periods in line. Instead, they can continue with their daily routines and receive real-time updates on their position in line.

Stay Compliant: In the highly regulated cannabis industry, dispensaries have to maintain a strict set of rules when it comes to compliance. NextMe’s waitlist software simplifies this process by collecting data that can be easily accessed and shared with regulators. The software can easily produce reports on wait times, customer demographics, and other metrics, making it easier for dispensaries to stay up-to-date with state compliance requirements.

Improve the Customer Experience: NextMe is more than just a waitlist, it’s a customer engagement solution. Dispensaries can create a branded virtual waiting room that customers see while they wait, providing convenient access to the dispensary’s product inventory and allowing them to make purchases even before they enter the store.

Boost Revenue: By reducing wait times and improving the customer experience, dispensaries that use NextMe have reported a noticeable increase in revenue. With more satisfied customers, they can expect to see an increase in repeat business and positive customer reviews.

Regardless of your technology stack or the solutions you choose, your dispensary should be thinking about your FOH experience because potential revenue is likely walking out of line (and out the door). As the industry continues to mature and evolve, stay ahead of the competition with NextMe.

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