4 min read
5 Things to Remember When Starting a Marijuana Delivery Service
Whether your working out of a dispensary or working remotely starting a marijuana delivery service can be challenging. However, if you’re committed to growing your brand there are a few things you need to remember before diving in head first. Now that recreational marijuana is legal in several states, the market is booming and marijuana delivery service is a convenience that will definitely be in demand.
In this article, we will cover some key components of starting a marijuana delivery service and the best way to accomplish your goal.
Business License
One of the very first things you’ll want to do is collect all the necessary paperwork to apply for a business license. If your marijuana delivery service isn’t affiliated with a storefront dispensary you’ll want to apply for a Retailer Non-Storefront business license. This does require that you secure a premises but it will not be open to the public.
If your a storefront dispensary and you want to implement a marijuana delivery service, you must apply for the regular Retailer business license. It is extremely important to remember that once your delivery service has been approved for a license, every driver must carry a copy in their authorized vehicle. For a complete list of all the necessary documentation that must be submitted, please visit the Bureau of Cannabis Control website.
Delivery Compliance
Operating in a regulated marketplace means that marijuana delivery service owners and staff need to be vigilant about cannabis compliance. Ensuring that all of your couriers are adhering to new regulations crucial in preventing violations that can jeopardize your business. Having one of your delivery drivers pulled over for being under the influence could easily lead to heavy fines and penalties.
There are many things you’ll want to remember in regards to compliance regulations but these three will keep your marijuana delivery service up and running. Every vehicle must be equipped with a GPS tracking device that must remain active and inside the vehicle at all times. Also couriers are not allowed to carry more than $3,000 worth of product at any one time. Finally, drivers must record every transaction by creating a delivery request receipt that includes both the business and customers information.
Delivery Drivers
When hiring delivery drivers you’ll want to be sure to check their driving record and previous experience. If they have experience as a dispensary delivery driver, reach out to their references to inquire about their work ethic and why they were let go. Finding couriers who have experience and understand the compliance regulations will cut down on training time. All delivery drivers must be over the age of 21, carry a copy of the business license, their drivers license, and an employer ID badge.
There are a few topics you’ll want to stress when training you delivery drivers. Deliveries can only be made to a physical address, all on-board products must not be visible, and under no circumstances are they allowed to use cannabis during work hours. Emphasizing the importance of these will keep your delivery fleet disciplined and professional.
Delivery Dispatch
One of the most important roles in any marijuana delivery service is the dispatcher. It’s there job to coordinate which orders get assigned to which drivers so that the customer receives their products in a timely fashion. Fortunately, this is where using advanced software and mobile technology can really make a difference.
Couriers can download an app that transmits their GPS location to the dispatch at all times. Well designed dispensary software, such as IndicaOnline, has a dispatcher mode that includes smart order assignment. It will automatically suggest the best driver based on their active orders and location relative to the customer. Real-time notifications and updates help dispatchers keep the orders organized and flowing smoothly for the fastest possible delivery times.
Delivery Software
Marijuana delivery service courier need a simple and easy way to accept orders, map their route, and process transactions over the course of an average day. IndicaOnline’s delivery app allows drivers to accept orders with one-click and even lets them select the navigation app of their choice. Once they arrive, they can quickly view the address, any specific delivery instructions, and the name of the customer.
When it comes to processing transactions, delivery drivers are able to transform their mobile devices into registers. They can process cash or credit and send paperless receipts directly to the customer’s email inbox. If it’s a new customer, they can digitally sign any required forms or agreements and upload their doctor’s recommendation if they are a medical patient. To learn more about the endless way IndicaOnline can empower you marijuana delivery service, schedule a demo with one of our qualified training representatives.