Top 5 Things Budtenders Should Know About Loyalty Programs in 2025

In the evolving landscape of cannabis retail, budtenders are pivotal in enhancing customer experiences and driving loyalty. As we progress through 2025, understanding the nuances of loyalty programs becomes essential. Here are five key insights every budtender should grasp to maximize the effectiveness of dispensary loyalty programs.​

1. Simplify Enrollment with App-Free Loyalty Solutions

Traditional loyalty programs often require app downloads, leading to friction in customer onboarding. Modern solutions like Sticky Cards eliminate this barrier by allowing customers to add loyalty cards directly to their Apple or Google Wallets through a simple QR code scan. This seamless process ensures quick enrollment, enhancing customer participation rates. 

2. Leverage Unlimited Push Notifications for Direct Engagement

Effective communication is crucial for customer retention. With Sticky Cards, dispensaries can send unlimited push notifications directly to customers' digital wallets. This feature bypasses traditional SMS restrictions, ensuring messages about promotions, events, or new products reach the intended audience without censorship. 

3. Utilize Geo-Targeted Messaging to Drive Foot Traffic

Geo-fencing technology enables dispensaries to send location-based alerts to customers within a specific radius. By leveraging this feature, budtenders can attract nearby customers with timely offers or reminders, effectively increasing in-store visits and sales.

4. Integrate Seamlessly with Existing POS Systems

A loyalty program's success often hinges on its integration with existing point-of-sale (POS) systems. Sticky Cards offers seamless compatibility with major POS platforms like Flowhub and Greenline, ensuring that loyalty data syncs effortlessly during transactions. This integration streamlines operations for budtenders and enhances the customer experience. 

5. Empower Customers Through Built-In Referral Programs

Word-of-mouth remains a powerful marketing tool. Sticky Cards' built-in referral program allows customers to share loyalty cards with friends, earning rewards for each successful referral. This not only incentivizes existing customers but also expands the dispensary's customer base organically. 

Conclusion

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, budtenders must stay informed about the latest tools and strategies to foster customer loyalty. By embracing app-free solutions, leveraging direct communication channels, and integrating seamlessly with existing systems, dispensaries can create a loyalty program that resonates with customers and drives sustained growth.​

For more insights and to explore how Sticky Cards can revolutionize your dispensary's loyalty program, book a demo - here.