Delivery Scheduling Software: Find Your Solution

Delivery Scheduling Software has revolutionized the logistics industry, providing businesses with efficient tools to manage and optimize their delivery processes. In this guide, we’ll explore the key considerations when selecting the best solution for your specific needs.

Whether you deliver goods or products, manage a fleet of vehicles, or provide courier services, the right logistics software can help you streamline your entire operation. From route optimization to order tracking, the right software can help you optimize your resources, save time, and improve customer service. In this guide, we’ll look at the key features to look for when selecting a delivery scheduling software solution.

Female noise and vibration engineer sets up microphones to test products with colleagues in anechoic chamber

by ThisisEngineering RAEng (https://unsplash.com/@thisisengineering)

Key Features to Look For

Real-time Tracking

Efficient delivery scheduling requires real-time tracking capabilities. Ensure the software provides accurate, live updates on the status and location of your deliveries, empowering you to make informed decisions on the go.

Save time and resources by automating mundane tasks such as route optimization and order processing. Automation can also help you to meet customer expectations with faster order fulfillment and more accurate ETAs.

Customization Options

Every business is unique. Look for software that allows customization to align with your specific requirements. Whether it’s custom time windows, delivery constraints, or reporting preferences, flexibility is crucial.

Ideally, the software should be able to be adapted to fit the changing needs of your business. Look for a platform that is easy to modify or update as needed. This will save you time and money in the long run.

Integration Capabilities

Seamless integration with your existing systems is paramount. Opt for software that easily integrates with your ERP, CRM, or other essential tools to create a unified and streamlined operational ecosystem.

User-Friendly Interface

Simplicity is key. The best solutions boast intuitive interfaces, minimizing the learning curve for your team. A user-friendly platform ensures swift adoption and efficient utilization.

Automation Features

Time is money, and automation can save both. Evaluate software that automates repetitive tasks like order assignment, route optimization, and communication, allowing your team to focus on more strategic aspects.

Look for features like automatic notifications, which can help streamline communication and keep your customers informed about their orders. Automation can also help reduce manual errors and increase accuracy, ensuring that orders are delivered on time, every time.

Female design engineer tests virtual reality software

by ThisisEngineering RAEng (https://unsplash.com/@thisisengineering)

Choosing the Right Vendor

Researching Vendor Reputation

Before committing to a delivery scheduling software, research the vendor’s reputation. Look for established providers with a track record of delivering reliable solutions and excellent customer service.

Reading Customer Reviews

Customer reviews offer valuable insights. Read experiences from businesses similar to yours to gauge the software’s performance, reliability, and customer support quality.

Exploring Trial Versions

Many vendors offer trial versions. Take advantage of these to test the software’s functionality in a real-world scenario, ensuring it aligns with your operational requirements.

Assessing Customer Support

Delivery schedules don’t abide by a 9-to-5 schedule. Choose a vendor with responsive customer support, available whenever you need assistance. Quick problem resolution is vital to maintaining smooth operations.

Cost Considerations

Upfront Costs vs. Long-term Value

While upfront costs are important, consider the long-term value the software brings. A solution that may cost more initially but offers substantial benefits can outweigh cheaper alternatives.

Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of

Be vigilant about hidden costs such as training expenses, ongoing support fees, or charges for exceeding usage limits. A transparent pricing structure ensures no surprises down the line.

Scalability and Pricing Plans

Select software that scales with your business. Ensure the pricing plans accommodate growth, preventing the need for a costly switch to a more robust solution as your operations expand.

a group of people in green jackets on a motorcycle

by Grab (https://unsplash.com/@grab)

Benefits of Implementing

Efficiency and Productivity Gains

A well-chosen solution enhances efficiency and productivity, leading to faster deliveries and satisfied customers. Evaluate how the software contributes to your overall operational effectiveness.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

Timely deliveries and accurate tracking contribute to heightened customer satisfaction. A positive delivery experience builds trust and loyalty, benefiting your brand reputation.

Reduction in Errors and Delays

Automation minimizes the risk of human errors and delays. Choose a solution that streamlines your processes, reducing the likelihood of delivery hiccups.

Enhanced Resource Utilization

Effective scheduling ensures optimal use of resources, from vehicles to personnel. This translates to cost savings and improved resource utilization across your delivery network.

Challenges to Watch Out For

Implementation Challenges

Integrating new software can pose challenges. Anticipate potential hurdles and work closely with your chosen vendor to navigate the implementation phase smoothly.

Employee Training

A user-friendly interface helps, but thorough training is essential. Allocate time and resources to train your team adequately, ensuring they can fully leverage the software’s capabilities.

Potential Technical Glitches

No technology is flawless. Be prepared for potential technical glitches and downtime. Choose a vendor with a robust support system to address and resolve issues promptly.

Data Security Concerns

The sensitive nature of delivery data requires robust security measures. Prioritize solutions with advanced encryption and secure data storage to protect both your business and your customers.

Delivery Scheduling Software: How To Pick The Best Solution

Evaluating Your Specific Needs

Begin your selection process by thoroughly understanding your business’s unique requirements. Consider factors such as delivery volume, types of goods, and geographic scope to identify tailored solutions.

Matching Features to Requirements

Create a checklist of features essential to your operations. Match potential solutions against this checklist, ensuring they align with your specific needs and contribute to your operational goals.

Scalability for Future Growth

Choose software that can grow with your business. Scalability ensures the solution remains effective as your delivery demands increase, eliminating the need for frequent software overhauls.

Compatibility with Existing Systems

Efficient integration with your current systems is critical. Select a solution that seamlessly integrates with your ERP, CRM, or any other software your business relies on for smooth operations.

FAQs

  • How does delivery scheduling software work?
  • Delivery scheduling software uses algorithms to optimize routes, assign delivery tasks, and provide real-time tracking, ensuring efficient and timely deliveries.
  • What industries benefit the most from this software?

Industries with extensive operations such as e-commerce, logistics, and retail benefit significantly from delivery scheduling software. It streamlines their supply chain processes, leading to improved efficiency.

  • Can it integrate with e-commerce platforms?
  • Yes, most delivery scheduling software is designed to integrate seamlessly with e-commerce platforms. This integration ensures that order information flows effortlessly, enabling accurate scheduling and timely deliveries.
  • How does it enhance route optimization?
  • Route optimization is a core feature. The software analyzes various factors like traffic, delivery windows, and vehicle capacity to create the most efficient routes, reducing travel time and costs.
  • Is it suitable for small businesses?
  • Absolutely. Many solutions cater to the needs of small businesses, offering scalable options that grow with the company. These tools empower smaller enterprises to compete effectively in the delivery landscape.
  • What sets the best solution apart from the rest?
  • The best solution goes beyond basic features. It addresses specific pain points in your operations, offers excellent support, and evolves with industry trends. Look for a solution that aligns closely with your business goals.

Conclusion

  • In the realm of delivery scheduling software, making the right choice is pivotal for operational success. By considering factors like features, vendor reputation, and cost, you can identify a solution tailored to your business needs. Remember, the right software isn’t just a tool; it’s a strategic asset that enhances efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall business performance.

Starting A Retail Delivery Business: Top 10 Tips

Are you considering starting a retail delivery business? Retail logistics has a lot of potential with the growing demand for convenient and fast deliveries in todays world. With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, the demand for delivery services has never been higher. But starting a delivery business can be a daunting task, especially in the competitive retail industry. Here at WebJoint we build software for delivery delivery companies. So we thought we would be best to provide some retail delivery business tips.

Fortunately, there are plenty of resources and strategies to help ease the process. From understanding the delivery process to building relationships with customers, there are a few key steps to success.

In this article, we will give you the top 10 tips for starting a successful retail delivery business. These tips cover managing your delivery operations and building a strong customer base.

Tip 1: Understand Your Target Market

Before starting any business, it’s crucial to understand your target market. In the case of a retail delivery business, your target market will be retailers who need delivery services. This could include small businesses, online retailers, or even larger retail chains.

Once you have identified your target market, it’s important to conduct research to understand their needs. Ask questions such as: what type of products do they need delivered? What kind of delivery services do they require? What are their delivery times and expectations? How do they prefer to pay for delivery services?

Research the needs and pain points of your target market to determine how you can best serve them. This will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts to attract and retain customers.

Tip 2: Develop a Strong Delivery Management System

Delivery management is the backbone of any successful retail delivery business. It involves managing the entire delivery process, from receiving orders to dispatching drivers and tracking deliveries.

Invest in a reliable delivery management system that can handle all aspects of your delivery operations. This will help you streamline your processes, reduce errors, and provide a better customer experience.

Tip 3: Choose the Right Vehicles

delivery vehiclesby Andrew Kambel (https://unsplash.com/@andrewk)

The type of vehicles you choose for your delivery business will depend on the size and weight of the items you will be delivering. For smaller items, a fleet of cars or vans may suffice. In the case of bigger items, it might be necessary to purchase trucks or specialized vehicles designed for transporting heavy or delicate objects.

Consider the cost, maintenance, and fuel efficiency of each vehicle before making a decision. It’s also important to ensure that your vehicles are properly insured and meet all safety regulations.

Tip 4: Hire Reliable Drivers

Your delivery drivers are the face of your business, so it’s crucial to hire reliable and trustworthy individuals. Conduct thorough background checks and ensure that your drivers have a clean driving record.

Once you’ve found the right drivers, be sure to provide them with the necessary safety tools and equipment to ensure their safety. Provide them with a GPS navigation system and a dashboard camera to monitor their driving. Also, make sure they have a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency.

Provide proper training and guidelines for your drivers to ensure that they represent your business in a professional manner. This includes proper handling of packages, customer service skills, and adherence to safety protocols.

Tip 5: Offer Competitive Pricing

Pricing is a crucial factor for any business, and the same goes for a retail delivery business. Research the pricing of your competitors and determine a pricing strategy that is competitive yet profitable for your business.

Consider offering discounts or promotions for first-time customers to attract new business. You can also offer volume discounts for larger orders or recurring customers.

Tip 6: Focus on Customer Service

customer serviceby Petr Macháček (https://unsplash.com/@machec)

In the retail industry, customer service is key. This applies to your delivery business as well. Make sure your drivers are taught how to give great customer service. This means being on time and dealing with any problems or complaints that come up.

You can also offer additional services such as package tracking or delivery notifications to keep your customers informed and satisfied.

Tip 7: Utilize Technology

Technology can greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your retail delivery business. Consider investing in a delivery management software that can handle tasks such as route optimization, real-time tracking, and delivery analytics.

Using technology can also help you to automate certain processes, such as scheduling and invoicing. This can help to reduce costs and save time, allowing you to focus more on managing customer relationships.

You can also use technology to communicate with your customers, such as through email or text message updates on their delivery status. Having the right technology in place can make a huge difference in your business, and help you to stay competitive in the retail delivery industry.

Tip 8: Build Strong Relationships with Retailers

retailersby Andrew Neel (https://unsplash.com/@andrewtneel)

Building strong relationships with retailers is crucial for the success of your delivery business. This includes providing excellent service, being reliable and punctual, and offering competitive pricing.

It is also important to understand the needs of each retailer and tailor your services to meet their individual requirements. This can include offering specialized services such as same-day delivery, rush orders, or customized delivery routes. By providing tailored services to each retailer, you can ensure that their needs are met and that they remain satisfied with your services.

You can also consider offering additional services such as warehousing or inventory management to further strengthen your relationship with retailers.

Tip 9: Market Your Business

Marketing is essential for any business, and a retail delivery business is no exception. Utilize both traditional and digital marketing strategies to reach potential customers.

This could include networking with local retailers, creating a strong online presence through social media and a website, and advertising through targeted channels such as industry publications or online marketplaces.

Tip 10: Continuously Evaluate and Improve

Finally, it’s important to continuously evaluate and improve your delivery business. Monitor your delivery processes, customer feedback, and financials to identify areas for improvement.

Consider implementing customer surveys or conducting regular meetings with retailers to gather feedback and make necessary changes. This will help you stay competitive and ensure the success of your business in the long run.

Conclusion

Starting a retail delivery business can be a challenging but rewarding venture. By understanding your target market, investing in a strong delivery management system, and continuously improving your processes, you can build a successful and profitable business in the competitive retail industry.

Remember to focus on customer service, build strong relationships with retailers, and utilize technology to streamline your operations. With these tips in mind, you can set your retail delivery business up for success.

The Power of Driver Tracking: Revolutionizing Fleet Management

Managing a fleet of vehicles can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to tracking the performance and safety of your drivers. However, with the advancements in technology, driver tracking software has become a game-changer for fleet management.

In this article, we will explore the power of driver tracking and how it is revolutionizing fleet management.

What is Driver Tracking?

Driver tracking is the process of monitoring and analyzing the performance and behavior of drivers using technology. This can include tracking the location, speed, and driving habits of drivers, as well as monitoring their adherence to company policies and regulations.

The Benefits of Driver Tracking

Driver tracking software

by ThisisEngineering RAEng (https://unsplash.com/@thisisengineering)

Driver tracking offers numerous benefits for fleet management, including:

  • Improved Safety: By monitoring driver behavior, fleet managers can identify and address any unsafe driving habits, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
  • Increased Efficiency: With real-time tracking, fleet managers can optimize routes and schedules, reducing fuel costs and improving overall efficiency.
  • Better Compliance: Driver tracking software can help ensure that drivers are following company policies and regulations, reducing the risk of fines and penalties.
  • Enhanced Customer Service: With accurate tracking, fleet managers can provide customers with real-time updates on the location and estimated arrival time of their deliveries.

How Does Driver Tracking Work?

Driver tracking software uses a combination of GPS technology, sensors, and data analysis to track and monitor driver behavior. The software can be installed in vehicles or used through a mobile app, allowing fleet managers to track drivers in real-time.

Key Features of Driver Tracking Software

Some of the key features of driver tracking software include:

  • Real-time tracking: Fleet managers can track the location and movement of vehicles and drivers in real-time, allowing for better route planning and monitoring.
  • Speed monitoring: The software can track the speed of vehicles and alert fleet managers if a driver is exceeding the speed limit.
  • Driver behavior monitoring: Driver tracking software can monitor and analyze driver behavior, such as harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and idling, providing insights for improvement.
  • Keyword monitoring: Some driver tracking software also offers keyword monitoring, allowing fleet managers to track specific keywords or phrases used by drivers during phone calls or text messages.

The Impact of Driver Tracking on Fleet Management

Fleet management

by Soliman Cifuentes (https://unsplash.com/@aleexcif)

The use of driver tracking software has had a significant impact on fleet management, revolutionizing the way fleet managers operate and manage their vehicles and drivers.

Improved Safety and Reduced Risk

One of the most significant impacts of driver tracking is the improvement in safety and the reduction of risk for fleet managers. By monitoring driver behavior and providing real-time alerts, fleet managers can address any unsafe driving habits and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Additionally, with keyword monitoring, fleet managers can identify and address any distracted driving behaviors, reducing the risk of accidents caused by phone use while driving.

Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings

Driver tracking software has also led to increased efficiency and cost savings for fleet managers. With real-time tracking, fleet managers can optimize routes and schedules, reducing fuel costs and improving overall efficiency.

Moreover, by monitoring driver behavior, fleet managers can identify and address any inefficient driving habits, such as excessive idling or harsh braking, leading to further cost savings.

Better Compliance and Customer Service

Driver tracking software has also improved compliance and customer service for fleet managers. By ensuring that drivers are following company policies and regulations, fleet managers can avoid fines and penalties, reducing the risk of financial losses.

Additionally, with real-time tracking, fleet managers can provide customers with accurate updates on the location and estimated arrival time of their deliveries, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Choosing the Right Driver Tracking Software

Choosing the right software

by Yuriy Yosipiv (https://unsplash.com/@kostyanchick)

When it comes to choosing the right driver tracking software for your fleet management needs, there are a few key factors to consider.

Features and Functionality

First and foremost, consider the features and functionality of the software. Look for software that offers real-time tracking, speed monitoring, and driver behavior analysis. Additionally, if keyword monitoring is important to you, make sure the software offers this feature as well.

Integration with Other Systems

It is also essential to consider how the driver tracking software will integrate with your existing systems. Look for software that can seamlessly integrate with your fleet management software, CRM, or other tools you use for managing your fleet.

User-Friendly Interface

The user interface of the software is also an important factor to consider. Look for software that is easy to use and navigate, with a clean and intuitive interface. This will ensure that your fleet managers can quickly and efficiently use the software to track and monitor drivers.

Customer Support and Training

Finally, consider the level of customer support and training offered by the software provider. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure that your fleet managers can make the most of the software.

Real-World Examples of Driver Tracking Success

by Hazel Abagao (https://unsplash.com/@hazabagao)

Many companies have already seen the benefits of driver tracking software in their fleet management operations. Here are two real-world examples of how driver tracking has led to success for these companies.

UPS

UPS, one of the largest package delivery companies in the world, has implemented driver tracking software to improve the safety and efficiency of their fleet. By monitoring driver behavior and providing real-time alerts, UPS has seen a significant reduction in accidents and injuries, leading to cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola, the world’s largest beverage company, has also implemented driver tracking software to improve the safety and efficiency of their fleet. By monitoring driver behavior and optimizing routes, Coca-Cola has seen a 20% reduction in fuel costs and a 15% increase in delivery efficiency.

The Future of Driver Tracking

Future of driver tracking

by Fred Moon (https://unsplash.com/@fwed)

As technology continues to advance, the future of driver tracking looks promising. With the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, driver tracking software will become even more sophisticated, providing fleet managers with even more insights and data to improve their operations.

Additionally, with the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles, driver tracking software will play a crucial role in managing and monitoring these vehicles, ensuring their safety and efficiency.

Conclusion

Driver tracking software has revolutionized fleet management, providing fleet managers with the tools and insights they need to improve safety, efficiency, and compliance. By choosing the right software and implementing best practices, fleet managers can take their operations to the next level and achieve success in their industry.

Last Mile Route Optimization & Order Tracker

In the world of logistics and delivery, the last mile is often the most challenging and expensive part of the process. It refers to the final leg of a product’s journey from a warehouse or distribution center to its final destination, whether that be a customer’s doorstep or a retail store.

Last mile delivery is a crucial aspect of the supply chain, and optimizing this process can lead to significant cost savings and improved customer satisfaction. In this article, we will explore the concept of last mile route optimization and how an order tracker can help streamline this process.

What is Last Mile Route Optimization?

Last mile route optimization is the process of finding the most efficient and cost-effective route for delivering goods to their final destination. It involves analyzing various factors such as delivery locations, traffic patterns, and delivery time windows to determine the best route for each delivery vehicle.

Last mile route optimization can help companies reduce delivery times, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce costs associated with last mile delivery. It also allows for more efficient use of resources, such as delivery vehicles and drivers, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly delivery process.

Order tracking is an important component of last mile route optimization, as it allows companies to monitor their deliveries in real-time and keep customers informed of delivery status. This helps ensure on-time delivery and reduces customer frustration.

The Importance of Last Mile Optimization

Delivery truck on the roadby Joel Moysuh (https://unsplash.com/@pope_moisa)

The last mile of delivery is often the most expensive part of the supply chain, accounting for up to 53% of the total delivery cost. This is due to the high number of stops and the unpredictable nature of urban traffic.

By optimizing the last mile, companies can reduce delivery costs, improve delivery times, and increase customer satisfaction. It also allows for more efficient use of resources, such as delivery vehicles and drivers, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly delivery process.

Challenges of Last Mile Delivery

The last mile of delivery presents several challenges that make it difficult to optimize. These include:

  • Traffic Congestion: Urban areas are often congested, making it challenging for delivery vehicles to navigate and reach their destinations on time.
  • Delivery Time Windows: Many businesses have specific delivery time windows, such as before or after business hours, which can limit the flexibility of delivery routes.
  • Multiple Stops: Delivery vehicles often have to make multiple stops in a single trip, which can lead to longer routes and increased delivery times.
  • Unpredictable Factors: Weather, road closures, and other unforeseen circumstances can impact delivery routes and cause delays.

Last mile delivery route optimization is a process of using technology to optimize delivery routes to reduce costs and time. By utilizing data such as traffic patterns, current delivery locations, and customer delivery preferences, businesses can create optimized delivery routes that are more efficient and cost-effective. This can help businesses reduce delivery costs and improve their customer experience.

How Can an Order Tracker Help with Last Mile Optimization?

An order tracker is a software tool that allows businesses to track the status of their orders in real-time. It provides real-time visibility into the location and status of each delivery, allowing businesses to optimize their last mile delivery process.

Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring

Order tracker dashboardby Alwin Sunny (https://unsplash.com/@alwin_picturesque21)

An order tracker provides real-time tracking and monitoring of delivery vehicles, allowing businesses to see the exact location of each vehicle and the status of each delivery. This information can be used to optimize routes and make adjustments in real-time to avoid delays and improve efficiency.

Route Planning and Optimization

Order trackers can also be incredibly advantageous in the realm of route planning and optimization. By meticulously analyzing various data points, including but not limited to delivery locations, traffic patterns, and delivery time windows, this cutting-edge software has the remarkable ability to provide valuable insights and recommendations regarding the most efficient route to be taken by every single delivery vehicle. In doing so, it holds the potential to significantly decrease delivery times and costs, whilst simultaneously enhancing overall customer satisfaction levels to unprecedented heights.

Delivery Confirmation and Proof of Delivery

An order tracker is an essential tool that not only tracks the progress of an order but also offers additional benefits such as delivery confirmation and proof of delivery. This feature becomes particularly advantageous for businesses that demand a signature or any other form of confirmation upon the arrival of an order. With the assistance of this innovative software, businesses can effortlessly capture and gather this crucial information in real-time, facilitating more precise and punctual delivery updates that will undoubtedly enhance their overall operations.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Data analysis and reportingby National Cancer Institute (https://unsplash.com/@nci)

Order trackers also offer data analysis and reporting capabilities, allowing businesses to track and analyze delivery performance over time. This data can be used to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimize the last mile delivery process.

Real-World Examples of Last Mile Optimization

Several companies have successfully implemented last mile optimization strategies using order trackers. Here are two real-world examples:

Amazon

Amazon is known for its efficient and speedy delivery process, and last mile optimization plays a significant role in this. The company uses a combination of order tracking, route optimization, and data analysis to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.

Amazon’s order tracker, known as “Track Your Package,” allows customers to track the status of their orders in real-time. This not only provides customers with peace of mind but also allows Amazon to optimize routes and make adjustments in real-time to avoid delays.

UPS

UPS has also implemented last mile optimization strategies using an order tracker. The company’s “UPS My Choice” service allows customers to track their packages and receive delivery alerts. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also allows UPS to optimize routes and make adjustments in real-time to avoid delays.

How to Implement Last Mile Optimization in Your Business

If you’re looking to optimize your last mile delivery process, here are some steps you can take:

Analyze Your Current Process

The first step in implementing last mile optimization is to analyze your current delivery process. Identify areas for improvement, such as delivery times, costs, and customer satisfaction.

Invest in an Order Tracker

Order tracker appby Evaldas Grižas (https://unsplash.com/@rebusas)

Investing in an order tracker is crucial for last mile optimization. Look for a software tool that offers real-time tracking, route optimization, and data analysis capabilities.

Train Your Team

When it comes to implementing a new software tool, it is of utmost importance to allocate sufficient time and resources towards providing proper training to your esteemed team. By doing so, you can ensure that not only your esteemed delivery drivers but also all other dedicated employees within your organization are well-versed with the intricacies of the order tracker and possess the necessary knowledge and skills to utilize this tool in a highly proficient and efficient manner, thereby maximizing its effectiveness and optimizing the overall productivity within your workplace environment.

Monitor and Analyze Data

Once you have implemented an order tracker, make sure to monitor and analyze data regularly. This will allow you to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimize your last mile delivery process.

By leveraging data-driven insights, businesses can optimize their delivery routes to reduce time, costs, and improve customer satisfaction. This involves analyzing a variety of data points, such as customer locations, traffic patterns, and delivery times. With the right order tracker, businesses can easily track and analyze this data to ensure their deliveries are running as efficiently as possible.

Conclusion

Last mile route optimization is a crucial aspect of the supply chain, and implementing an order tracker can help businesses streamline this process. By providing real-time tracking, route optimization, and data analysis capabilities, an order tracker can help reduce delivery costs, improve delivery times, and increase customer satisfaction. If you’re looking to optimize your last mile delivery process, consider investing in an order tracker today.

Last Mile Delivery Solutions – Inventory, GPS and E-Commerce

In the modern, rapidly changing world, customers expect reliable logistics and swift delivery when making online purchases. This has led to the rise of last mile delivery solutions, which focus on the final leg of the delivery process from the warehouse to the customer’s doorstep. In order to meet these high expectations, businesses must utilize inventory management, GPS tracking, and e-commerce integration to optimize their last mile delivery process.

Inventory Management

Inventory managementby Kyle Glenn (https://unsplash.com/@kylejglenn)

Effective inventory management is crucial for last mile delivery solutions. It involves tracking and managing the movement of goods from the warehouse to the customer. By implementing a robust inventory management system, businesses can ensure that they have the right products in stock and can fulfill orders quickly and accurately. This not only improves the efficiency of the last mile delivery process but also helps to prevent stockouts and delays.

GPS Tracking

GPS tracking is a vital component of last mile delivery solutions. It allows businesses to track the location of their delivery vehicles in real-time, ensuring that they are taking the most efficient routes and making timely deliveries. This not only improves the overall speed of the delivery process but also provides customers with accurate delivery estimates and the ability to track their orders. GPS tracking also allows businesses to monitor the performance of their delivery drivers and make adjustments as needed to improve efficiency.

E-Commerce Integration

E-commerce integrationby Bruno Kelzer (https://unsplash.com/@bruno_kelzer)

Integrating e-commerce platforms with last mile delivery solutions is essential for businesses that sell products online. This integration allows for seamless communication between the e-commerce platform and the delivery system, ensuring that orders are processed and fulfilled quickly and accurately. It also provides customers with real-time updates on their orders and allows for easy returns and exchanges. By streamlining the e-commerce and delivery processes, businesses can provide a better customer experience and improve the efficiency of their last mile delivery.

Benefits of Last Mile Delivery Solutions

Implementing effective last mile delivery solutions offers numerous benefits for businesses. By optimizing the final leg of the delivery process, businesses can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. This can lead to increased sales and repeat business. Additionally, efficient last mile delivery can help businesses save on costs by reducing the number of failed deliveries and returns. It also allows for faster delivery times, which is becoming increasingly important in the competitive e-commerce market.

The Future of Last Mile Delivery

The demand for reliable and swift last mile delivery solutions is only expected to increase in the future. As e-commerce continues to grow, businesses must adapt and optimize their delivery processes to meet customer expectations. This may involve implementing new technologies such as drones or autonomous vehicles for delivery. It may also involve utilizing data and analytics to improve route planning and customer targeting. By staying ahead of the curve and continuously improving their last mile delivery solutions, businesses can gain a competitive edge and meet the ever-changing demands of the market.

In conclusion, inventory management, GPS tracking, and e-commerce integration are essential components of effective last mile delivery solutions. By utilizing these tools, businesses can improve the efficiency and reliability of their delivery process, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. As the demand for fast and reliable delivery continues to grow, it is crucial for businesses to invest in and continuously improve their last mile delivery solutions.

Streamlining Retail Delivery Management for Efficiency

In today’s fast-paced retail environment, efficient delivery management is crucial for success.

As online shopping becomes more popular and customers expect quick and dependable delivery, retailers need to optimize their delivery procedures to remain competitive.

This article discusses why managing retail deliveries is crucial and how retailers can make their delivery processes more efficient.

Why Is Retail Delivery Management Important?

Retail delivery management is the handling of product delivery from a retailer to the customer.

This includes everything from order fulfillment to tracking and delivery.

Efficient retail delivery management is essential for several reasons:

Meeting Customer Expectations

Retail deliveryby Grab (https://unsplash.com/@grab)

In today’s digital age, customers expect fast and reliable delivery.

Online retailers like Amazon have accustomed customers to receiving their orders quickly, often within a few days or even on the same day.

Retailers who cannot meet these expectations may lose customers to competitors who can offer quicker and more effective delivery.

Reducing Costs

Inefficient delivery processes can result in higher costs for retailers. This can include expenses such as missed delivery windows, incorrect orders, and returns.

By streamlining delivery management, retailers can reduce these costs and improve their bottom line.

Improving Customer Satisfaction

Efficient delivery management not only meets customer expectations but also improves overall customer satisfaction. Customers who receive their orders on time and in good condition are more likely to become repeat customers and recommend the retailer to others.

How Can Retailers Optimize Their Delivery Processes?

To streamline retail delivery management, retailers can implement the following strategies:

Utilize Technology

Delivery technologyby Grab (https://unsplash.com/@grab)

Technology plays a crucial role in optimizing delivery processes. Retailers can use delivery management software to track orders, manage inventory, and automate tasks such as labeling, inventory management, and GPS tracking.

Additionally, retailers can use route optimization software to plan the most efficient delivery routes, reducing delivery times and costs.

Collaborate with Suppliers

Collaborating with suppliers can help retailers improve their delivery processes.

Retailers can work closely with suppliers to make sure they always have enough inventory to fill orders fast and smoothly.

Suppliers can also provide valuable insights and data on their delivery processes, allowing retailers to identify areas for improvement.

Implement a Warehouse Management System

A warehouse management system (WMS) can help retailers manage their inventory and fulfillment processes more efficiently. With a WMS, retailers can track inventory levels, automate picking and packing processes, and manage returns.

A WMS can also integrate with other systems, such as delivery management software, to provide a seamless and streamlined delivery process.

Utilize Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers

3PL providersby CDC (https://unsplash.com/@cdc)

Outsourcing delivery to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help retailers streamline their delivery processes. 3PL providers have the expertise and resources to handle all aspects of delivery, from warehousing to transportation.

By partnering with a 3PL provider, retailers can focus on their core business while leaving the delivery process in the hands of experts.

Implement a Click-and-Collect System

Click-and-collect, also known as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS), is a popular delivery option for customers. By implementing a click-and-collect system, retailers can offer customers the convenience of online shopping while reducing delivery times and costs.

Customers can place their orders online and pick them up at a designated location, such as a store or locker. This not only streamlines the delivery process but also drives foot traffic to physical stores.

Real-World Examples of Streamlined Retail Delivery Management

Let’s take a look at two real-world examples of retailers who have successfully streamlined their delivery processes.

Walmart

Walmart deliveryby Grab (https://unsplash.com/@grab)

Walmart has implemented several strategies to optimize its delivery processes. The retail giant offers same-day delivery for online orders, allowing customers to receive their orders within hours.

Walmart also utilizes a click-and-collect system, allowing customers to pick up their orders at a designated location. This has not only streamlined the delivery process but also increased foot traffic to physical stores.

Furthermore, Walmart has teamed up with external companies to handle the delivery processes for them. This helps Walmart to concentrate on their main business.

Zara

Zara deliveryby charlesdeluvio (https://unsplash.com/@charlesdeluvio)

Zara, a popular fashion retailer, has implemented a click-and-collect system to streamline its delivery processes. Customers can place their orders online and pick them up at a designated store location, reducing delivery times and costs.

WebJoint also utilizes technology to optimize its delivery processes. The retailer uses easy-to-use technology to track inventory levels and automate picking and packing processes, improving efficiency and reducing errors.

Who Is Responsible for Retail Delivery Management?

Retail delivery teamby Headway (https://unsplash.com/@headwayio)

Retail delivery management is a collaborative effort between various departments within a retail organization. This can include the supply chain team, warehouse team, and delivery team.

However, it is essential to have a designated team or individual responsible for overseeing and optimizing the delivery process. This can include tasks such as tracking delivery metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing new strategies and technologies.

Takeaways

Efficient retail delivery management is crucial for meeting customer expectations, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction. By utilizing technology, collaborating with suppliers, and implementing streamlined processes, retailers can optimize their delivery processes and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced retail environment.

With the rise of e-commerce and the increasing demand for fast and reliable delivery, retailers must prioritize streamlining their delivery processes to stay ahead of the competition. By implementing best practices and utilizing the right tools and strategies, retailers can achieve maximum efficiency in their delivery management.

Payment Processing for Cannabis Delivery Services and Why Paying Online is Better

The State of Payment Processing for Delivery in the Cannabis Industry

Let’s face it — the cannabis industry has a cash problem. Now, too much cash isn’t a bad thing; cash is still king. But, when cash is the only means of doing business – from customer transactions to paying tens of thousands of dollars in taxes exclusively in cash – it quickly becomes one of the biggest bottlenecks and security risks for the industry and its operators. 

The cause for this? Federal and local regulations make it difficult for cannabis businesses (especially those that are plant-touching) to access basic banking services and digital payment processing alternatives to cash. With the blooming cannabis industry projected to grow to $41.5 billion in retail sales by 2025, it’s important that as the industry awaits changes in federal cannabis policy, that the private sector works to make existing cash alternatives more safe, compliant, and accessible to cannabis operators. 

In this blog post, we’ll do a brief overview of cashless payments, why cannabis delivery services should implement cash alternatives today, and the existing technologies that make payment processing safe and accessible under the current state of cannabis regulations.

Intro to Banking and Cashless Payments in Cannabis

Due to constraints brought on by federal and local regulations on cannabis banking, the cannabis payment processing sector has exploded with businesses seizing the opportunity to solve the cash-only issue of the industry. With this comes many bad actors looking to make a quick buck and disappear (as does any industry), but also comes many promising companies truly looking to establish a safe, secure, and scalable payment and banking solution for cannabis operators nationwide. 

Why is this issue so important? Well, it’s an issue of efficiency and security. Without access to traditional banking services, cannabis operators often find it difficult to:

• Have a safe and secure way to store and access their cash in the same way non-cannabis businesses do

• Access capital needed to scale their operations without hefty interest rates through cash advances

• Accept more convenient ways to pay for cannabis like with credit and debit cards

• Pay their taxes and other business expenses 

And that’s just the beginning. As a “high-risk” industry that is still federally prohibited, operators can find it hard to also insure these cash assets without having to pay large premiums.

Collectively, these hurdles would undoubtedly make it more difficult for the industry to reach those projections, giving even more credence to calls for a cash-alternative solution sooner rather than later. 

Existing Methods of Cashless Accepting Payments + Risk

So if the demand is high for cash alternatives, what cashless payment solutions already exist?

Well, there are a few alternatives to cash cannabis operators can choose from. Currently, non-cash cannabis transactions can happen in a few different ways:

Automated Clearing House (ACH)/Bank to Bank Transfers 

• Have you ever signed into your bank account through a third party to purchase cannabis? If so, you’ve just paid through ACH. ACH is simply a transfer of funds between a customer’s bank and yours (the delivery service). ACH is arguably the most secure method of handling non-cash cannabis transactions in the industry today.

• Cashless ATM Terminals

• If you’re thinking that you’ve paid for cannabis with your debit card before — you’re not wrong, but you’re not entirely correct either. Cashless ATMs are a clever workaround to solving the cash-only issue in cannabis. Instead of customers paying with their debit card, they’re actually “withdrawing” cash directly into your business bank account. Funds are debited from their account into yours equating to the amount of their order.

• Cryptocurrency

• As an emerging technology (and with the future of cryptocurrency use cases in cannabis still hazy), crypto payments are rather rare to come across. However, it is a form of payment that exists and can be used by retailers.

Each of these payment methods, of course, carry their own respective pros and cons. As more established and reputable payment processing companies enter the cannabis market, and as the industry continues to build upon non-cash alternatives, the relative risk in implementing a payment processing solution is better managed.  

The Argument for Cannabis Deliveries Going Cashless

So, why should you implement alternative methods of payment processing for your cannabis delivery service? Well, aside from it becoming an inevitable transition your cannabis delivery service will have to make eventually to meet customer expectations, implementing a payment processing solution can benefit you in multiple ways:

• Employee Safety and Risk Management

• Eliminating cash from delivery transactions minimizes the risk of cash theft. At any given moment, whether during daily delivery operations or periodic cash-only tax payments, cannabis delivery staff can be carrying with them thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars in cash on their person. ⁣This makes them (and you!) a high-value target for theft. Taking cash out of the equation through cashless payments mitigates this risk and creates a much safer, more convenient working environment for everyone.

Access Banking Services

• Non-cannabis industries may take it for granted, but access to simple banking services is crucial to the future of the cannabis industry. As bigger, more reputable institutions come into the cannabis payment processing sector, more financial resources like banking become accessible to cannabis operators.

• KindTap, for example, is a closed-loop network providing merchants and customers a compliant way to pay online, thereby removing the friction of paying upon delivery or in-store pickup. By partnering with financial institutions in various states that have compliant cannabis banking programs, KindTap enables a frictionless payment solution for online transactions through a bank account-link and their own credit program.

Moreover, solutions like KindTap are actively integrating with point-of-sale technologies like WebJoint, to seamlessly fit into the customer’s natural purchasing experience and offer a non-cash payment option.

Increased Customer Satisfaction = Increased Customer Spending

• Customers tend to spend more when they are not only happy with your service but also when they aren’t limited to the cash they have on hand. Today’s consumers pay for almost everything with their debit/credit cards – it’s more convenient and secure than cash. Though debit/credit card payments for cannabis aren’t possible just yet, there’s a reasonable expectation for operators to mimic the convenience factor that comes with it as best as possible. A successful implementation of non-cash payment alternatives will prove to be a great-long term investment for your business. 

Future of Cashless Payments in Cannabis

So what does the future of cashless payments in cannabis look like? To be quite frank, it’s hard to tell. Unfortunately, federal legalization is still up in the air and with it, regulations dictating banking services for cannabis operators hang in limbo too. 

What we can tell you, however, is that the payment processors left standing will be the institutions that place the operator’s security and accessibility to financial services, as well as the customer’s purchasing experience, at the forefront of their efforts. Existing solutions like KindTap that are thriving in today’s cannabis banking environment, revolutionizing cannabis payments, and blazing the trail towards a federally compliant cannabis payment network. 

powered by Typeform

The Future of Cannabis Delivery Payment Processing – A Conversation with Cathy Corby Iannuzzelli of KindTap

This week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Cathy Corby Iannuzzelli of KindTap to discuss the rapidly growing sector of payment processing in the cannabis industry, her vision for the future of payment technologies in highly regulated markets, and why cannabis deliveries should implement a payment processing solution for their operation today.

KindTap – the fastest growing payment processing solution for cannabis delivery services.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your experience in the payment processing world, and how you ended up working in the cannabis sector with KindTap?

CI: I’ve been working in financial services and payments for 30 years on the card issuing and merchant processing sides of the business. Much of my career has involved launching payment products when the whole product category was new. Things like debit cards, internet banking, e-commerce and prepaid cards we all take for granted now, but there was a lot of pioneering to bring them to market. About 3 years ago while working for a client in Denver, I became aware of how broken payments were in cannabis. Broken isn’t even the right word – payments simply didn’t exist in the cannabis market. My pioneering spirit kicked-in and I refocused my consulting on the cannabis segment. In 2019 I met the founders of KindTap who had deep cannabis expertise and were focused on the cannabis payments problem, as well. We started collaborating on what has now  become KindTap and earlier this year I joined the team full-time.

Q: What problem is KindTap aiming to solve in the cannabis industry?

CI: As we all know and experience today, the payment experience for cannabis is friction-filled, both for the consumer as well as the merchant. For the e-commerce experience, there is no actual “commerce” as payment info is not captured online and there remains massive payment friction upon delivery/in-store pickup. For the merchant, they are capturing pre-order sales with no certainty of pickup or payment, and it’s even worse for delivery when drivers are being sent out to collect cash! KindTap aims to solve all of this friction with a very straightforward payments platform for online and in-store commerce, along with a consumer-level loyalty program for every dollar spent within our network of merchants.

Q: How does the lack of traditional banking infrastructure for the cannabis industry negatively impact cannabis businesses?

CI: Unfortunately this is a major problem that will not go away with one or two bills passed at the federal level. We connect with merchants and consumers on a daily basis, and they all want less physical cash in the system. This is one of the core challenges, and with KindTap we aim to remove that physical cash and bring the industry to the 21st century of digital payments.

Q: How is it that KindTap can provide banking and digital payment solutions to plant-touching cannabis businesses while more conventional banks (Chase,Wells Fargo, BoA, etc.) can’t?

CI: Banks are excellent at managing risk. As long as cannabis is illegal at the federal level, it’s a risky business for banks to serve. When weighing the risk-to-benefit, the cannabis segment is simply not large enough to the mega-banks to make the benefit worth the risk. Smaller financial institutions – where the innovation in cannabis banking is taking place – see a large opportunity relative to their size and are investing in people and processes to manage the risk. KindTap has partnered with financial institutions that have a multi-state license to operate, but yet have the size and innovation to work directly in the cannabis industry.

Q: Up until recently, there has been hesitation among plant-touching operators to transition to digital payment solutions due to regulations, among other factors. How has that changed? What does KindTap do to ensure security and safety of an operator’s assets?

CI: KindTap operates within the current regulatory framework for cannabis banking and merchant processing, on a state-by-state basis with no interstate commerce. We do not operate on what they call “federal rails” which is Visa and MasterCard. Think of us like one of the MSOs: They operate state-by-state with a multi-state/national presence, and so does KindTap. Our security and safety of assets is backed by trusted financial institutions and vendors who are in the business of payment processing, with a long-history outside of cannabis.

Q: Cannabis delivery operators across California use KindTap to process customer payments. What are the benefits of payment processing for cannabis delivery?

CI: Great question, as we love to describe where KindTap shines! Our system collects payment information upon checkout, not at the delivery location, which removes the friction of paying cash upon delivery (or a mobile cashless ATM terminal, only to receive physical cash for your change). The consumer not only gets a more seamless delivery experience but also has the ability to earn loyalty rewards for shopping at multiple merchants within the KindTap network, just like AMEX. The merchant LOVES the ability to remove cash from their system, and delivery drivers can now have a more predictable schedule without having to collect cash at each stop. Everyone truly wins.

Q: What’s the biggest obstacle to implementing payment processing for cannabis deliveries? How quickly could operators implement payment processing like KindTap?

CI: Our system allows for operators to implement KindTap within a matter of days on the back-end, in partnership with WebJoint. The biggest obstacle, frankly, is the previous battle scars of other payment processors and the mess they created for cannabis operators and consumers. Once the operator pays attention to KindTap’s offering, then we tend to move forward with implementation without any issues.

Related: “Payment Processing for Cannabis Delivery Services and Why Cashless Payments are Better”

Payment Processing for Cannabis Delivery

Q: What does the future of cannabis banking look like for you?

CI: At KindTap we believe the fragmented banking system will not go away anytime soon, especially on the payment processing side where most providers live at the federal level and changing those regulations will not happen overnight. We built KindTap to thrive in the current banking environment, and whenever federal legalization occurs whereby the “federal rails” of Visa/MasterCard enter the picture, then our business will continue to thrive with our planned transition of our platform to that of a federal-level payments platform.

Q: A recent study by Grand View Research projects the legal cannabis market to reach $84 billion by 2028 and leading up to that, the cannabis payment industry is hotter than ever. What’s next for the KindTap team?

CI: We are excited about our growth roadmap for KindTap. You will read later this year our publicly-announced expansion plans and roll-out of our credit and loyalty features, which will quickly solidify us as the leader in cannabis payments and the first payments provider to offer a digital credit solution to cannabis consumers.

Q: What are a few resources you can share with our audience? What are some of your favorite books, podcasts, software, etc. that have benefited your personal and professional growth in the industry?

CI: Great question. Not to sound like a plug, but I actually learn a lot from WebJoint’s content and white papers, which help me to better understand the delivery side of the business more so than other sources.

Q: Lastly, where can our readers find you and learn more about KindTap?

CI: You can visit our website at www.kindtaptech.com or email us at info@kindtap.com.

powered by Typeform

Make $30 for Every $1 Spent with Cannabis Text Message Marketing – A Conversation with Happy Cabbage CEO, Andrew Watson

I had the opportunity to sit down with Andrew Watson, the founder and CEO of Happy Cabbage Analytics, an “integrated data platform that is revolutionizing how cannabis businesses target customers and inform business decisions.”

In this interview, we discuss Andrew’s journey into the cannabis industry, the inception of Happy Cabbage Analytics, and its mission to generate revenue by raising the standard on data-based marketing campaigns.

happy-cabbage-logo

Andrew Watson, CEO and Founder of Happy Cabbage Analytics
Andrew Watson, CEO and Founder of Happy Cabbage Analytics

Q: What can you tell us about the origins of your interest in/experience with cannabis?

AW: My first experience with cannabis was in September or October 2007 when I was 15 and a sophomore in high school. I was waiting by the Royal Farms in North Baltimore (which is where I was born and raised) for a friend to pick me up and take me to see a Resident Evil movie. Some kids from my high school were walking by to go into the wooded park that was behind “the RoFo” as we called it back then. 

Now, these were definitely kids I would consider “cool” in the social hierarchy of high school, and I was definitely considered “not cool.” I was a pretty big goth, budding theater kid, and overall weirdo. I wasn’t good at or interested in sports and instead mostly played PC video games and listened to heavy metal. These kids saw me though and invited me to go smoke with them; very cliche.

During that first session after I was handed the bowl I immediately tipped it over upside down spilling the nugs all over the ground. I remember Andy Dufrense (not a real name but let’s call him that) had to open up his flip phone in the dark for some light and pick them up off the ground. Incredibly embarrassing, but very memorable. From there I definitely became a “stoner” in high school, sneaking around my house and Baltimore, smoking out of homemade bowls, cooking brownies, and overall experiencing the black market life that was cannabis in Baltimore in the late ’00s. 

I always had a sense of it being wrong that it was so stigmatized: kids I knew got harassed by cops by just having half-smoked joints on them, kids kicked out of my private high school for being caught with weed on them (but other kids not kicked out for harassment or assault). After high school, I was fortunate enough to go to a very “hippie” college in Oregon in which I became enmeshed in West Coast (and white) weed culture. There I learned what cannabis can be when removed from the specter of over-policing and stigma. It was an alternative to the heavily ostracized culture that I experienced in Baltimore, a world in which every kid was smoking, but being caught with it could ruin your life. 

My cannabis consumption in college and in the years since definitely reduced from high school (nowadays I pretty much only smoke pre-rolls every other week) but my strong interest in the political movement, economics, and opportunity flourished. In 2017 when I had the opportunity to start consulting for a delivery business in Oakland I pounced on it, and from that experience ultimately Happy Cabbage Analytics was born.

Although from those earlier experiences I have never truly felt like a part of the West Coast weed culture, I admire its opportunity and the wave of change it will bring to the country. To put it bluntly, a place like Baltimore will likely be last in line to experience the opportunities, prosperity, and wholesomeness that the legal industry provides. Many folks who maintain power either via keeping the legal industry exclusive, or preventing legalization all together, will flourish in a place like Baltimore with its stark inequities and deeply entrenched police brutality. That being said, work being done here, mistakes we are making, and progressive movements we are building around equality restoration will eventually make it to Mondawmin Mall, Druid Hill Park, and behind that Royal Farms. 

My interest and career in cannabis ultimately stem from that hope and desire to help see it through. In a lot of ways, it’s all about making my 15-year-old self happy and to rue the stigma that shaped so much of my original experiences in cannabis. I want Baltimore City to ultimately be proud it has natives who have become cannabis entrepreneurs, and hopefully re-shape the minds of those adults who knew me back then and helped perpetuate that stigma.

Q: Can you briefly share with our readers what Happy Cabbage Analytics specializes in? What part of the supply chain do you service? What problems do you solve for them? 

AW: Happy Cabbage specializes in growing revenue- we take a dollar spent on our platform and convert it into $30. This starts with data from POS systems in cannabis retailers, dispensaries, and delivery services. From there, we detect opportunities for revenue growth. What customers have disappeared? What do customers like to purchase? What would a business analyst advise if they were to look at the purchase data? We identify opportunities, present them in our platform, and then, via a marketing solution called Polaris, we segment customers who should be marketed to via SMS. The idea is not to produce charts and graphs but to produce actionable insights. We primarily serve the Bay Area, but we do also have customers in Colorado and Ohio, from mom and pop shops, large franchises, small businesses, delivery platforms, etc. 

When our customers hear “analytics and data”, their eyes tend to gloss over and they start to feel overwhelmed. Having them use an overly sophisticated, cumbersome platform is a disservice; it actually dissuades them from taking the time to analyze and get familiar with their outputs. Our culture is focused on how to empower folks with information, without making it overly burdensome to do that. We serve all kinds of clients. Take, for example, the mom and pop shop. How do we get them to use their data, that is fully and entirely theirs, and generate targeted SMS messaging, price optimization, etc without having to invest in expensive tooling? It’s very important for us to say that cannabis is a collection of small businesses and entrepreneurs at this phase in the industry (at least in California). While we love serving all kinds of businesses, that accessibility means we have a responsibility to enable even small businesses with an intuitive and intelligent interface.

Q: What is the value of investing in text message campaigns for cannabis retailers?

AW: As mentioned above, investing in the machine-learning powered text messaging we provide shows consistently a 30x ROI for our clients. Said another way, for every customer you engage we see about $3.50 of revenue generated. For our customers who are spending $1,500 a month on our platform, that means they are generating $45,000 a month in attributed sales from their usage of Polaris. When you compare this to the $5,000 a month many folks are spending on Weedmaps or other forms of customer acquisition, the value becomes obvious. 

Regular customers, customers who are already familiar with your brand, can be brought back into the store at a significantly lower cost than new customers can be acquired. Furthermore, they have higher average ticket sizes, consistent order frequency, and can help boost community awareness of your dispensary by referring their friends. 

Furthermore, these customers have already opted-in to receive text message promotions: they have stated they want to know the deals. That doesn’t necessarily mean however that they are engaged. Our average dispensary that has two years of data in their system, less than half of their opted-in regular customers have come back within the last 90 days (when on average the order every 20-30 days). For many dispensaries and delivery services that means they have thousands of opted-in customers who are primed to come back but haven’t.

A great way to burn these customers though is to give them heavy promotional messaging about products they don’t care about. The customer who only ever buys Plus Gummies does not care about the high THC exclusive flower you have on your menu and vice-versa. Blanketing these customers with uniform text blasts, and not matching consumers to preferences lowers the potential ROI. 

Using Polaris, however, you can easily drive much higher ROI by matching those customers’ preferences to the texts that you send out. This is ultimately where the value comes from. A recent customer of ours in San Francisco who surveyed their consumers found that 98% said they like the text messages they get, and many consumers respond to our messages specifically that they appreciate the personalized marketing and messaging associated with their consumption preferences.

Q: For our readers who want to implement new tactics like text-based campaigns into their overall marketing strategy, where do you suggest they start?

AW: You should start by messaging your existing customer base who has opted-in to messaging. You can collect these opt-ins (either automatically through WebJoint or) via a simple opt-in form you embed on your website. Contrary to popular belief, many consumers both want and seek out the promotional messaging that comes from retailers. High taxes, and difficulty in finding certain products, means consumers have to rely heavily on communications from dispensaries and delivery services to know if deals and products are available.

Unless you are using a solution like Polaris that can help you automatically sort through consumer preferences I would avoid strong messaging about certain products and product categories. If you have a great deal on Raw Garden, but only 20% of your consumers have ever purchased or care about Raw Garden products, the 80% you message about Raw Garden are going to get annoyed and either opt-out or simply ignore future messages.

We see this strongly in our data, where blanket messages that don’t mention specific products can get much higher conversion and engagement than blanket messages that advertise specific products.

Using Polaris however, I would start off by following our guided campaigns. This can help you see quickly who your lost customers are, who prefers flowers, who is overdue for an order of edibles, etc. From there you can leverage our Advance Targeting by going after folks with specific preferences around brands, order sizes, and importantly, geo-fenced delivery zones. That way your messaging is powerful and tailored appropriately to the diversity of your consumers. Our customers who use our tool in this way see by far the highest ROI, with some customers seeing as much as $10 per customer engagement in sales.

Q: In a few words, how would you define a successful text-based marketing campaign?

AW: One that drives $3.50 or more of sales per customer engaged, and or one that recaptures over 20 lost customers. The best campaigns we see are most often the ones tailored to a specific brand, order timing, and product category preference. These go out to a few hundred consumers at a time, but 5 campaigns for 500 consumers will easily see 2-5x the returns that 1 campaign to 2,500 consumers drives.

Q: What would you say are the top 3 factors behind a great text messaging campaign?

AW:

  1. Take the time to really carefully segment your customers. Look at customers based on their behavioral attributes, not using generic demographic data like age or gender. I feel like the focus on customer recapture isn’t as strong as it should be. Customers that drop off are still customers that have been sold at one point. They already get you and your brand. They don’t need to discover you. And oftentimes, if the incentive is there, they want the exclusive offers of a loyal customer. Get specific with their attributes; whether customers are overdue for the order, have completely dropped off, prefer extracts/flower/specific brands, etc. Communicate with them strategically, using their relevant brands and products, so they feel like you’re looking out for them.
  2. Text messages are meant to be short and to the point. When sending an SMS blast, you need to be efficient with your language and prioritize what you say, so state your offer upfront. Provide a clear call to action. Without this, recipients will most likely opt-out, or simply leave you on read.
  3. As with any marketing campaign or platform, it is important that you analyze key metrics. Are you gaining a return on your investment? What’s resonating with customers? How can these observations feed your communication strategy? Every campaign is a learning experience, and a great campaign is a gift that keeps on giving. It not only generates revenue through a single promotion, but it informs continual strategic, data-driven communications.

Q: What are the most common mistakes you see cannabis operators make in terms of marketing – specifically on text message marketing?

AW:A lot of the most common mistakes are easily avoidable ones. Some campaigns are not explicit in the action they would like the recipient to take- is your call to action clear? If a text blast is indiscriminate enough, users will sense that the message isn’t genuine, and they certainly won’t be compelled to engage. Another item that will place you in a customer’s blocked contacts is reaching out too often. Try to limit reaching out to your customer no more than once a week. We often see the most successful customers fall in the one text every two weeks category. But the most important of all these is to pick the best segment of customers. Are they relevant to the promotion you have on hand? Are they dropping off from their frequency of contact? Are they loyal to specific brands or products? And you really don’t need to get much more specific than that. If you stick with simple parameters, you lessen your chance of hyper-targeting and correlating groups that don’t really have much in common. 


Q: In the breadth of experience with your customers, what is the ultimate value of data analytics and insights you can get from text-message marketing campaigns?

AW: Humanizing your consumers and understanding the trade-offs and relationships between brand and retailer. We as an industry have a lot of myths about how consumers purchase cannabis and what information they respond to. By pairing analytics and data with text messages we effectively build a virtuous feedback loop to constantly experiment with what actually drives consumer behavior.

For example, a recent trend we have found is that when you mention a specific brand in a text message (such as Raw Garden) yes it will drive more folks to purchase the brand, but on average even our most successful branded campaigns only get 10-20% of the consumers who order to actually purchase the mentioned brand. That being said if you take 500 customers who have bought Raw Garden before and mention there is a sale on Raw Garden, they will convert at 2x the rate of mentioning Raw Garden to consumers who have not bought it before (but still prefer extracts and vapes). Of those consumers who bought Raw Garden before though, very few of them might actually buy it again, they’ll buy something else like Select or F/ELD.

Understanding these nuances is what you get from intelligent experimentation. This is what Instagram does when they serve you an ad on the story, what Netflix does when they sort your recommended shows, what Lyft does when it gives you a notification about discounted rides. All major retailers both digital and in-store are constantly testing their consumers. They make no assumptions about consumer behavior and let the data decide what to market, when to market, and how to market. This is the value of the data in cannabis, which is far richer than most retail data in the traditional industry. We as an industry should expect this level of automation, customization, and precision in our marketing. We at Happy Cabbage Analytics are taking the first steps to empowering our retailers with the tools to get them there.

Q: What are a few resources you can share with our audience? What are some of your favorite books, podcasts, software, etc. that have benefited your personal and professional growth in the industry?

AW: Check out our blog, https://www.happycabbage.io/blogz, where we try to publish a lot of our findings and recommendations. 

In terms of understanding consumer behavior better and what tools and techniques we use to create intelligent marketing campaigns, I’d suggest reading the book Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kanhamen. This book goes over some of the fundamental premises of behavioral economics, consumer psychology, and buying behavior. Another good book in this realm that’s a bit lighter is Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein.

To keep up with cannabis-specific trends and updates I subscribe to a lot of the various newsletters. Although short and mixed in relevance, the MJ Biz Daily newsletter is a great source for industry tidbits to keep you informed.

Honestly though, I, like many people, generally feel as if there is a gap between folks on the ground doing business in California and the reporting and pomp around the more established cannabis news and investment newsletters. I really appreciate what WebJoint and some others are starting to do in terms of getting more of the on-the-ground perspective, particularly as it relates to California (which is a larger market than Canada). 

Q: Lastly, where can our audience find you?

AW: We can be found at:

www.happycabbage.io

You can find me on LinkedIn here: Connect with Andrew Watson on LinkedIn
You can reach me via email at andrew@happycabbage.io

powered by Typeform

Building Cannabis Brands with Justine Bastida of OB Solutions

I had the opportunity to sit down with Justine Bastida, the founder and CEO of OB Solutions, a cannabis consulting firm for cannabis brands and manufacturers. In this interview, we discuss Justine’s introduction into the cannabis industry and the plethora of issues she and her team solve for brands across the state of California.


OB Solutions, a consulting firm focusing on cannabis brands.
Justine Bastida (left) and Chris Milot (right), OB Solutions' Co-Founders.
Justine Bastida (left) and Chris Milot (right), OB Solutions’ Co-Founders.

Q: What can you tell us about the origins of your interest in/experience with cannabis?

JB: 2008 brought a lot of challenges and uncertainty across the world with the economic crisis.  I was going to university, dealing with my father’s newly diagnosed prostate cancer, and beginning a professional career.  I was introduced to the cannabis industry by a cultivator who noticed it was not experiencing the economic disruptions of other industries.  I was able to witness the pitfalls and challenges of starting a business from the ground up.

We began attending trade shows, industry events and focused on building relationships and collaborations to extend our cultivation, equipment, and distribution network. We met emerging leaders and technical experts that helped provide more legitimacy to an industry rooted in a “stoner” image.  Yet, the best leaders we met were the most genuine, down to earth, quality product focused individuals out there.  We, as up and comers, set 24/7 hours and I worked harder with that business than I had ever worked in my entire life.

I wanted to enhance my business capabilities to shift away from selling and distributing products to learn about ad networking, marketing, and website development along with management, team building, and financial management.  In 2014 to put my degree into use in the accounting world.

In 2017, my mentor approached me with a new opportunity with MCIG as a regional sales director specializing in packaging of cannabis products.  While I was comfortable with sales, I didn’t have experience in manufacturing methods or understanding custom packaging, so I sought out industry experts in that field.

Eventually, I met my now COO who has extensive technical experience in packaging.  She knew the ins and outs of making anything imaginable from cell phone cases to custom molded bottles and tinctures.  She took ample time to help me understand the industry like we both do now for our clients.  We decided to take a leap of faith and teamed up to form a consulting firm.  With our designers, industrial engineers, support staff, and sales team we have grown from seed to tree just like our clients.  We understand the challenges that cannabis and CBD companies face and can hold our clients hands each step along the way!

Q: Can you briefly share with our readers what your firm specializes in, what part of the supply chain you service, and what problems you solve for cannabis brands?  

JB: OB Solutions is the brainchild of multifaceted professionals uniting the cannabis industry with mainstream and pharmaceutical branding and packaging solutions.  What differentiates us from other firms is our attention to solutions that make sense and are consumer-friendly as our team has been involved in growing, extracting, and filling various cannabis products.  We help accentuate the quality of the product employing the power of marketing to provide differentiation.  We help our clients concentrate and capitalize on a perfect match of quality and brand presence to become homerun brands.

In terms of problem-solving, we focus on increased profitability while decreasing frustrations and supply chain traffic jams.  We act as an embedded resource and extension of each brand we take on.  We jump into the product strategy process regardless of where the client is in the planning process prior to meeting us.

Q: What would you say are some of the most pressing issues cannabis brands are facing right now?

JB: The industry, as a whole, has a stigma against it.  The lack of proper education in the general populous has driven many companies – especially CBD companies – to become snake oil salesmen with claims that cannabinoid products can be used to treat everything or give a generic enjoyable experience.  To be taken seriously, there needs to be more regulated testing of product quality and content, tracing from seed to store shelf, and more clinical trials to prove efficacy.  While many producers are taking steps to achieve this, others cut corners and even falsify documentation to get their products to market.  A sanctioned trusted review board and qualified seal of certification can help consumers know what to purchase and how the product should work for them.

COVID-19 has affected the industry and cannabis brands in ways we couldn’t imagine.  Distribution Challenges with increased sales:  As the medical-marijuana business has been deemed “essential”, the industry has been active manufacturing and selling products.  However, recreational marijuana commerce, not designated as “essential,” has had mixed responses with sales halted in many states while others are allowing delivery services and curbside pick up.  As a result of the stay-at-home orders, many marijuana companies set sales records for 4/20 and the last two months while more users were working privately from home increasing usage.

Concerns of COVID & cannabinoid interactions: Questions on the safety of usage coinciding with the virus has left some consumers on the “edge” of purchasing, staying away until further safety information is available.  Some advocates have focused on the healing properties of the product including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and immune-modulating properties, but not enough information is clear or even available on the usage making it a challenging time.

Potential COVID spread?:  Additionally, uncertainty on potential exposure to the virus during manufacturing, packing, and distribution drives concern by users,  impelling producers to ensure measures are being taken to protect the product and the end consumer from the COVID virus.

To add further complexity to the industry, financial investment firms are entering the industry, often putting demands on streamlining the business with a focus on financial results.  Private equity is needed until federal funding becomes an option and SBA loans are even available.  As the market is still considered risky, many of these loans have extremely high-interest rates for the businesses forcing them to sell more to pay off their debt sooner rather than later. Some operators are making shortcut decisions sacrificing quality in growing and manufacturing to get the products to the shelf and into consumer’s hands faster.

Q: What would you say are the top 3 factors that make cannabis brands great?

JB: Quality Product: Hands down the emphasis on the quality of the product is the most important.  Taking the time to grow or find a tested top quality grower can make or break a company.  We often see companies use multiple sources for their products and the taste and quality drastically changes batch by batch.   Even for “value” cannabis brands, ensuring you have testing to ensure an enjoyable experience every time is the foundation; we can build the skin around it.

Consumer Messaging and Identification: A lot of times cannabis brands have not targeted a specific audience and simply assumes anyone and everyone will pick it up.  There’s a lot of competition out there on the store shelves and the best brands resonate and attract the appropriate consumer through effective marketing/branding.  Identifying and building brand standards consistent with the target consumer can become the next homerun hitter.

Educated Caring Advocates: Ensuring you have a knowledgeable staff, not just users who say “this product rocks,” who can articulate the story behind YOUR product (how it is grown, processed, and manufactured, as well as the benefits and anticipated experiences) brings credibility and clout.  Education and training of all people handling your product at every learning opportunity, trade shows, dispensaries, messaging, make an impact that can last and resonate with the consumer for years to come and bring them back as a loyal consistent user.

Q: What are the most common mistakes you see brands make?

JB: Many producers rush brands to market.  One of the biggest issues we encounter is the lack of a cohesive look between different products of the same brand, especially in packaging,  jars, boxes, and pouches with different labels and materials.  Consumers can identify and recognize a brand and lack of cohesion can prevent them from recognizing various products are from the same producer.  We often end up doing a relaunch with new branding for our clients to help them be identified.

Second, many cannabis brands tend to have limited understanding of lead times, beyond manufacturing the product, as packaging is often assumed to be off-the-shelf, ready to buy or turned around in a week or two while custom products done in top factories can take upwards of 8-10 weeks.  While the lead times can be challenging with additional required work such as generating art or molds, we are often able to build a short-term solution strategy while getting the requested results long term.  We can jazz up stock packaging should we need to and still bring a powerful presence.

New manufacturers frequently do not have a clear understanding of the packing and distribution flows they will have to follow.   We can help level expectations on the process flows they will encounter, the unanticipated slow down packers find when the packaging they are expected to use is not ready for quick filling.  Boxes may need to be opened or assembled prior to filling, or extra steps may be needed for unpacking products before packing.  Label applications can become a challenge without proper equipment making jars look homemade and uneven.  Additional steps may be required for shipping pack-outs to send to the end-user and stores.  We address these types of supply chain slowdowns in advance, offering solutions to help make loading and prepping products easier.

Q: For our readers who want to start a cannabis brand from the ground up, what kind of advice would you give them? Where would you recommend they start?

JB: Successful cannabis brands plan well in advance. Create a detailed business plan with targeted goals and timeline, and a financial road map.  If you are new to business planning, you might want to work with an experienced mentor.   The best sources for data are experienced growers/processors/chefs depending on the products, brand consultants, packaging experts, and staffing specialists.  Understanding realistic timelines is critical before you start selling a product that doesn’t exist and miss unrealistic timing.  The best brands are a trifecta of quality products and ingredients, appeal and targeted marketing appearance, and appropriate distribution channels.

Q: What are 3 concerns that you have as the industry continues to grow?

JB: Many of the concerns our industry will face are the same speed bumps and detours we faced in California and other legalized states.

  1. The need for regulated assurance quality and efficacy testing of all products.  Too much bad product is being produced as demand increases.  
  2. Legitimate banking and insurance availability are urgently needed.  Recognizes legitimacy, ensures business transparency, and makes economic sense.
  3. As demand increases, the big business takeover of sources like farming may challenge the ability of new small businesses.  The industry will change.  
 
 

Q: What are you excited to see as the California cannabis industry continues to evolve?

JB: I am looking forward to the day when individuals thinking of entering a shop or ordering a cannabis product, do not hesitate because of the worry about what others might think.  I am excited to see more public support in favor of adult-use marijuana. 2019 was a record year with more open minds across broader demographics and psychographics, towards the industry, culture, and where the real mission lies. Seeing studies that show two-in-three Americans believe that cannabis should be legal gives me hope, supporting the ability to medicate as openly as a prescription and not be shamed. It is exciting to see more universities opening career fields in the cannabis industry with experts in cultivation, science, licensing, distribution, business, finance, laws, and being able to share corporate knowledge with academia.

Another thing I look forward to is restaurants having an option on the menu for CBD and THC infused food. We have some of the most amazing underground chefs in our industry who have identified creative delicious vehicles for CBD and THC.  For example, Chef Matt is at every Lit event demonstrating the demand for his culinary craft.

Again, with legalization, I am excited about new subscription boxes with cannabis available in all states, This will result from more studies on products and quality assurance methods for manufacturing across the board. We have arrived in the Weed Evolution, with strength in e-commerce and facilitating online sales of all cannabis-related products.

Last, but not least, when banks and insurance companies create legitimate vehicles supporting cannabis businesses with financial accounts and risk coverage, the industry will take a major step forward.

Q: What are a few resources you can share with our audience? What are some of your favorite books, podcasts, software, etc. that have benefited your personal and professional growth in the industry?

JB: One of my favorite leadership inspirational professionals is Emilie Aries.  What started as a TED Talk listen blossomed into reading her blogs, and books about self-empowerment and setting healthy boundaries while achieving goals.  We emulate much of her leadership boss principles at OB Solutions.

The software we like to use and to share with each of our clients is the Asana project management platform.  We use this to build out individual projects and set tasks for our clients as well.  It allows anyone at any time to review where we are in the production process and sets appropriate deadlines so we can stay on forecasted timelines.  We can even send approval requests for proofs and the next steps in the building of a component.

In terms of industry growth, our team attends many of the industry trade shows and conferences where some of the most impactful speakers are artisans focused on improving the health benefits, targeting specific ailments with products.  One such influencer was Adam Jacques, a grower and geneticist focused on the science behind growing.  Growers like Jacques are focused on breeding quality plants, pinpointing specific phenotypes to express, and developing specific cannabinoid compounds and terpenes.  The next generation of products will result from the innovation and practices of teams focused on helping more patient-specific profiles.

Industry inspirational books include Ed Rosenthal’s Marijuana Grower’s Handbook, The Cannabis Grow Bible, Weed the People, High Times Cookbook, Breaking the Grass Ceiling, and Women’s Guide to Cannabis.

Other inspired reading/audio:  Many Ted talks have been very informative for medical expression and aid, kicking out the stereotype of the “stoner”, and detailing the reality of productivity that surrounds the cannabis plant.

Blair Brown’s “The Cannabis Mirror”, focuses on education from AD to BC history on the use of cannabis and breaking through Cannabis prohibition.

A piece from Zachary Walsh, “Making Peace With Cannabis”, helps provide an understanding that times are changing as we continue to frown upon this issue (Cannabis) in the world.

On a more focused note, Matt Hill, Ph.D.’s, “Your Brain on PTSD: The Impacts of Cannabis,” shares multiple studies on how the brain is impacted by cannabis and how it can be an aid for PTSD patients.

  • Making Peace with Cannabis | Zachary Walsh | TEDxPenticton
  • Stoners Coming Out – Beyond the Marijuana Monster Myths | David Schmader | TEDxRainier
  • The Cannabis Mirror | Blair Brown | TEDxSunValley

One of my influential and fierce producers and hosts is Krishna Sai Andavolu of Viceland’s, a focused cannabis show.  You can find it as Weediquette. The show’s purpose is to inform the public of the planned and actual timing of legalization in the cannabis industry and the various states. Many of the episodes are targeted to education on the benefits of medical cannabis for cancer treatment and PTSD.

My all-time favorite actor and cannabis activist is Seth Rogan.  We have all seen him in movies like “Pineapple Express” and “This Is The End”. Always making cannabis a fun and playful experience through his movies, he is so involved in the forward movement and expansion of educating about the plant with his cannabis association, Houseplant, education about plant strains, how to meditate, and how to make your own product and process, making it really fun where to and how-to guide.

Q: Lastly, where can our audience find you?

JB: We can be found at:

www.obsolutionsconsulting.com

Email: justineb@obsolutionsconsulting.com // chrism@obsolutionsconsulting.com

powered by Typeform
Days :
Hours :
Minutes :
Seconds

drop shipping signup - $99/month

Sign Up

[fluentform id="3"]