Embarking on the journey of a mobile dispensary business requires strategic planning and innovative thinking. In this blog post, we’ll explore what’s needed to start a successful mobile dispensary, associated costs, operational considerations, and customer engagement strategies.
WHAT IS A MOBILE DISPENSARY?
Just what is a mobile dispensary? Simply put, it’s a modern concept in the cannabis industry that brings the dispensary experience directly to your customers.
Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar dispensaries, which require customers to visit a fixed physical location, a mobile dispensary operates on wheels (think food truck) allowing it to travel to different neighborhoods, events, or designated areas to provide “the goods”.
TYPES OF MOBILE DISPENSARIES
Mobile dispensaries typically use equipped vehicles, such as vans or trucks, that are stocked with a variety of cannabis products, including flowers, edibles, and even concentrates.
Some of these mobile units typically feature an open interior, similar to a traditional dispensary, where customers can browse, consult with experts, and make transactions.
The convenience and accessibility of a mobile dispensary cater to customers who prefer a personalized and on-the-go shopping experience, expanding access to cannabis products beyond the confines of a fixed location.
COSTS OF MOBILE DISPENSARIES
Learn more about the different estimated costs of running a mobile dispensary:
MOBILE DISPENSARY LICENSING COSTS
Setting up a mobile dispensary requires adherence to specific licensing regulations, and those sometimes depend on state and city guidelines. You’ll have to research and comply with local laws governing cannabis businesses, including licensing for cultivation, transportation, retail sales, and distribution. The cost of licensing can vary depending on the jurisdiction.
For example, in Massachusetts, the licensing fee for a cannabis delivery business is $10,000 annually. In California, for a micro-business, costs can go up to $180,000 per year.
To learn more about cannabis licensing costs and renewal fees, check with your state controller.
MARKETING COSTS FOR MOBILE DISPENSARIES
Marketing is crucial for the success of any mobile dispensary. Your goal should be to establish a strong brand identity and develop a marketing plan that includes both online (digital ads) and offline (word-of-mouth) channels. The cost of marketing can vary based on the strategies you end up investing in.
For instance, digital marketing like social media, content creation (video and text), and search engine optimization may require an investment of several hundred to a few thousand dollars per month, depending on the requirements of the campaign.
Additionally, collaborating with local events (and even cannabis influencers) might involve certain fees for those partnerships.
COSTS OF MOBILE DISPENSARY FOR DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS
Launching and operating a mobile dispensary involves various costs that should be factored into your dispensary business plan. Consider the expenses associated with acquiring and customizing a suitable vehicle for your mobile operations.
The cost of purchasing and outfitting a “food truck-like” vehicle can range from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the size, condition, and customization requirements. Additionally, account for product inventory costs, including purchasing cannabis products, accessories, and related merchandise.
Operational expenses such as vehicle maintenance, fuel, insurance, staffing, and compliance should also be considered. These costs can vary significantly based on location and operational scale.
HOW POSABIT CAN HELP YOUR MOBILE DISPENSARY
At POSaBIT, we understand the unique needs of mobile dispensaries, and we are dedicated to helping them succeed.
Our suite of point-of-sale (POS) solutions are also designed for mobile operations, and we offer advanced tech that easily integrates our systems into your dispensary.
Learn more about how you can keep compliant, grow revenue, and wow your customers with the top payments infrastructure in the cannabis industry.
