Top 10 Steps to Complete Before Opening Your Medical Marijuana Delivery Service
1. Evaluate your inventory. Be sure to have enough product to fill all anticipated orders. Research the current demand in the area you plan to service. Knowing this information will help you estimate how much marijuana you need.
Learn the rules and regulations regarding the amount of product you can store, as well as the amount you are allowed to deliver at one time.
Keep track of your inventory to ensure you never run low (or run out!) of weed. Clients count on you to deliver their medical marijuana, and the last thing you need as a new business owner is to disappoint them and jeopardize your reputation.
2. Obtain your own medical marijuana card. If possible, get a medical marijuana card, and ask your employees to do the same.
It’s a good idea to go through the process because it helps to understand where your clients are coming from. They will appreciate having a marijuana delivery person who can relate to them.
Having a card builds trust in the clients’ eyes, which makes it much easier to sell to them. They will be more willing to take advice from someone who also benefits from using marijuana. Being able to make recommendations based on your own experience makes your job much easier.
3. Be mentally prepared. It is important to realize that this is a legitimate business you are entering into. It is not simply a “weed business”, but a medical marijuana delivery service.
You need to make sure you are ready for the responsibility of owning your own business. If you have employees, they are counting on you to take care of them. It is not fair to them if you suddenly decide you can’t handle it and close up shop.
As a marijuana delivery service, you have a responsibility to your clients as well. They will be counting on you to be there for them. The health and comfort of your customers is not something to take lightly.
Opening your own marijuana delivery service is a wonderful and exciting thing! Just remember, starting your own business is a huge commitment.
Think everything through before making a decision. Make sure you can handle everything that comes your way.
Don’t forget, we are here to help you every step of the way!
4. Set up a system for record-keeping. Your records must be complete in every aspect of your marijuana delivery service.
Set up a database for client records. Make sure you invest in proper protection to ensure this sensitive information stored securely.
Set up a system to track inventory. Some businesses use software designed to make this task easy. Some prefer to check and record inventory manually. Choose one that is comfortable for you.
Keep detailed financial records. There are many kinds of software available for bookkeeping.
Take time to research the different options available to you. Many companies offer a free version, which may work well for your weed business when you first open.
If this is over your head, consider hiring a professional to help you set up a system that will work for you.
5. Develop an advertising strategy. Advertising is now possible for your medical marijuana delivery business. This is a helpful tool for you to get your name out there and let people know you’re open for business
Showcase the different types of marijuana that you are offer and the effects each type has. When you take the steps to guarantee that each client has the correct product for their specific need, they are much more likely to come back to you in the future.
Many of your clients may be new to the world of marijuana and feel uncomfortable with the idea of medical marijuana delivery. For many years, there has been a stigma regarding marijuana.
It may have been a big step for your customer to make the call to your marijuana delivery service. They may find it difficult or embarrassing to ask questions about the product. Have a website they can peruse in the privacy of their own home.
Make sure your website is clear, concise, and easy to navigate. Consider looking at other health websites to use as inspiration for yours.
6. Set up phone(s) dedicated to your business. Setting up two lines is ideal. The first line will be dedicated to calls coming in from advertising. Consider using an 800 number.
Whether or not you answer 24/7 is a choice you will have to make. The important thing is to answer consistently. Hire someone to answer the phone if necessary.
If a customer is new to the world of medical marijuana delivery, and you don’t answer when they call, they’ll just move on to the next company.
The second line will be dedicated to your regular clients. The time needed on the phone with them is much less than the time needed for new clients. Having a special number they can call makes them feel special and ensures repeat business. Again, personalized service is always a winning strategy when starting a new business.
7. Have a financial plan. An important aspect of any business startup plan is knowing how you are going to pay for the business and pay yourself!
Questions to ask yourself:
What do I need in materials for my new marijuana business?
Do I have a proper vehicle for medical marijuana delivery?
What will fuel cost every month?
What do I need for advertising?
What will packaging for my weed cost?
What will phone lines cost?
What will my own salary be?
What will I pay any potential employees?
Will I need a small business loan?
Is my credit good enough to get a loan?
Will I need financial backers?
Do I know anyone who would like to invest in my marijuana delivery service?
How can I find investors?
What do the state, city and county licenses cost?
How often do they need renewed?
Did I answer all of the previous questions?
8. Select a vehicle. Obviously, a marijuana delivery service must have a vehicle to make deliveries!
Make sure your vehicle has the proper registration and tags, that they are up to date. Check that your vehicle is properly serviced to avoid any breakdowns while delivering weed to your customers.
Check daily for any broken taillights or flat tires, and regularly check fluids. While it may seem like a no-brainer to most people, I will still remind you to make sure that you have enough gas in your car at all times.
Ensure your vehicle is clean and presentable at all times.
Most importantly, make sure your vehicle is fully insured and that you have the proper coverage in place for running a business out of it.
9. Obtain all licenses and permits. When starting a business, there is always going to be paperwork and red tape to deal with. With a medical marijuana delivery service, you’ll likely have even more.
It is extremely important to make sure you are fully licensed. With your new marijuana business, you need to be licensed by the state and city, and in some areas, even the county.
Select a name for your business and have it registered.
It may be a pain, but be thorough and take the time to make sure you have every legal requirement in place BEFORE you open for business. Need some help? Check out more information here.
10. Take advantage of every resource available to you. Listen to the wisdom of other small business owners in your line of work. Their insight will be invaluable to you.
We offer a great deal of information for you to take advantage of. Start with our free resources. After seeing what a value they are to you, continue to gather the rest.
In any business, but especially in medical marijuana delivery, experience is key. Any time you can collect resources and tools developed by people who have been where you are now, jump at the opportunity! If you can go into your medical marijuana delivery business chock full of knowledge and tips of the trade, you are sure to succeed!