Dispensary Owners Are Asking Smarter Questions About POS Systems After Dutchie's 420-Crash

Sagun Nagar
|
June 16, 2024

The significant outage that struck Dutchie on April 20th serves as an urgent reminder to cannabis retailers of the importance of having a robust and reliable POS system.

This incident is particularly enlightening for emerging markets like Thailand, where the cannabis industry is in its early stages and the choice of technology can fundamentally influence business success.

Understanding the Impact

Dutchie's systems encountered a severe disruption during the 420 celebrations, a day marked by high sales volumes in the cannabis industry. This resulted in widespread service interruptions for many dispensaries that rely on Dutchie’s platform, impacting their ability to process transactions, manage inventory, and serve customers during one of the busiest retail days of the year. The outage not only led to significant financial losses but also damaged consumer trust at a critical time.

For Thailand, a market where cannabis regulations and industry standards are still taking shape, such an outage underscores the critical need for systems that can handle peak demands reliably.

Smart Dispensary Owners are now asking Smarter Questions from their POS Providers

Technology and Scalability

"Is your technology built to scale, using the latest and most advanced systems? Is it adaptable and customizable?"

In Thailand's burgeoning market, a scalable POS system is essential to manage growing customer needs and fluctuating sales patterns effectively. The POS should be open enough to customize.

Core vs. White-Labelled Systems

"Is your platform based on proprietary technology designed specifically for cannabis retail, or is it a white-labeled solution under the name of Cannabis?"

White-labeled systems are often generic solutions rebranded by companies to make quick profits rather than developing specific features that cater to the cannabis industry’s unique needs. These systems may lack critical updates and pose data privacy and security risks because they are not always designed with the end-user’s specific needs in mind.

Data Ownership and Accessibility

"Can I directly interact with your data analysts to understand and utilize my business data effectively?"

In Thailand's emerging cannabis market, having direct access to data experts can provide the insights needed to navigate a complex and evolving regulatory and business landscape.

Compliance Integration

"How does your system adapt to the evolving regulatory environment in Thailand?"

Compliance is critical, and the POS system must be nimble enough to update quickly with changes in legislation to keep dispensaries operating legally.

Performance Analytics and Reporting

"What specific tools does your POS system provide to help me understand consumer behaviors and market trends in Thailand?"

Effective analytics can help dispensaries make informed decisions that align with local consumer preferences and maximize profitability.

Conclusion

The outage experienced by Dutchie is a critical learning moment for cannabis retailers, particularly in Thailand's nascent market. This event highlights the importance of choosing a POS system that is robust, compliant, and capable of growing with the business.

As the Thai cannabis market continues to develop, selecting a POS like Klu, which is tailored to meet the region's unique needs, will be pivotal in ensuring business resilience and long-term success.

This guide aims to empower Thai dispensary owners to ask the right questions and choose a POS partner that best fits their business objectives, ensuring their operations are well-equipped to handle both current demands and future challenges.

WRITTEN BY
Sagun Nagar