- Work with trusted suppliers to ensure compliance and quality.
- Train your team to confidently sell THC beverages based on their benefits, dosing, and terpene profiles.
- Promote compliance as a selling point to build customer trust.
- Use terpene profiles to enhance the customer experience and upsell products.
- Leverage pricing strategies that offer value while maintaining profitability.
With the increasing popularity of THC beverages, retailers have a unique opportunity to capture a growing segment of the cannabis market. But how can you ensure you’re maximizing the potential of this product category?
Part 3 of our series provides five actionable tips to help you successfully sell THC beverages in your store. Drawing insights from Saf Sadiq, EVP at CÜRE Brand, we’ll give you a clear plan for sourcing, educating your team, and engaging your customers.
Let’s dive in!
1. Know Your Supplier
To succeed in selling THC beverages, it’s crucial to start with a reliable and compliant supplier. THC beverages need to meet strict regulatory requirements, and working with a trustworthy source ensures your store is stocking safe and high-quality products.
Tips:
- Research your suppliers: Verify their compliance with federal and state regulations, including Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that show THC content, and ensure products meet legal limits.
- Prioritize quality: Work with suppliers like CÜRE Brand, which invests in the quality of its beverages from formulation to packaging. Sadiq explains, “We always play by the rules to ensure both quality and compliance, so customers can trust what they’re buying.”
- Ask the right questions: Ensure your supplier is transparent about sourcing, testing, and packaging processes. The more you know, the better equipped you are to market the product.
Knowing your supplier is key to building trust with your customers and ensuring you meet all legal requirements.
2. Train Your Team on THC Beverages
Your sales team is the face of your store, and their knowledge will directly impact your ability to move THC beverages off the shelves. Properly trained staff can confidently guide customers through the different options, explain product benefits, and answer any questions.
Tips:
- Host regular training sessions: Cover the basics of THC beverages, including how they differ from edibles and other cannabis products.
- Explain dosing: Ensure your team understands the difference between low-dose and high-dose beverages. “Some customers want a mild experience, while others are seeking something more potent,” says Sadiq.
- Highlight strain-specific options: Teach staff how to explain the benefits of Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid beverages, so they can help customers match products to their preferences and needs.
A knowledgeable team builds trust with your customers and drives sales through better recommendations.
3. Highlight Compliance with Customers
Consumers are becoming more discerning and informed, especially when it comes to cannabis products. Being transparent about the compliance and safety of your THC beverages is essential to gaining their confidence. Sadiq emphasized that regulatory compliance is a cornerstone of consumer trust, which retailers should promote.
Tips:
- Use signage: Display information about product compliance, such as THC content and testing certifications, where customers can see it.
- Mention compliance in marketing: Include compliance details in your promotional materials, making it clear that your THC beverages meet all state and federal requirements.
- Empower your staff: Ensure your team is prepared to answer compliance-related questions so customers feel assured that they purchase safe, legal products.
By marketing compliance, you can create a stronger connection with your customers and build loyalty through transparency.
4. Maximize Customer Experience with Terpene Profiles
Beyond THC content, terpene profiles play a significant role in shaping the flavor and effect of THC beverages. Educating your customers about terpenes can help them make more informed choices and create a personalized cannabis experience. Sadiq shared how CÜRE’s beverage offerings allow for customization based on flavor and desired effects.
Tips:
- Create terpene guides: Display easy-to-read guides that explain the most common terpenes, such as Limonene for mood enhancement or Myrcene for relaxation.
- Upsell with flavor profiles: Encourage your team to recommend beverages based on the customer’s preferences. For example, if customers enjoy citrus flavors, point them toward products with Limonene.
- Offer sample tastings: Let customers try a variety of terpene-rich beverages to discover which flavor profiles resonate with them.
Understanding terpenes can elevate the customer experience and make your THC beverages more appealing to a broader audience.
5. Leverage Pricing and Value
Pricing plays a critical role in driving sales in a competitive market. Thanks to vertically integrated models like CÜRE’s, many THC beverages can be offered at competitive prices without sacrificing quality. Understanding how to price your products for maximum value can help attract more customers while maintaining a healthy profit margin.
Tips:
- Offer tiered pricing: Carry beverages at different price points—from budget-friendly low-dose options to premium, strain-specific drinks—to appeal to various customer segments.
- Bundle products: Create combo deals, such as offering a discount when customers buy a THC beverage and related products, such as edibles or CBD tinctures.
- Use value messaging: Highlight the value your beverages offer, whether it’s the quality ingredients, unique flavor profiles, or the transparency of the production process. Ensure customers understand that they’re getting more than just a drink—a premium experience.
When paired with tremendous value, competitive pricing can attract cost-conscious customers while keeping them loyal.
Put These Tips Into Action and Watch Your THC Beverage Sales Soar
By following these five actionable tips, you’ll be well-positioned to make THC beverages a successful part of your retail strategy. From sourcing high-quality products to educating your team and customers, these strategies will help you stand out in a crowded market.
Don’t forget to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, where we dive deeper into why THC beverages are an essential addition to your store and key considerations when launching your own product line.
Stay informed by signing up for the Kush.com newsletter for more expert insights!
Tyana Daley
