Why Branded Merchandise Matters for Dispensaries
In today's competitive cannabis market, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. While product quality and pricing matter, smart dispensary owners know that branded merchandise creates lasting impressions that keep customers coming back.
Custom promotional products aren't just giveaways—they're powerful marketing tools that extend your brand's reach far beyond your storefront. Every time a customer uses your branded grinder at home or pulls out your custom rolling tray at a friend's house, they're advertising your dispensary.
Top Merchandise Items That Drive Sales
1. Custom Weed Grinders
Grinders are the workhorses of cannabis accessories. They're used daily by most consumers, making them ideal for brand exposure. Consider these options:
- 2-piece grinders - Budget-friendly options perfect for first-time customer gifts
- 4-piece grinders with kief catchers - Premium items for loyalty rewards
- Metal vs. acrylic - Match the quality to your brand positioning
2. Custom Rolling Trays
Rolling trays offer maximum branding real estate. The flat surface is perfect for showcasing your logo, artwork, or promotional messaging. Popular sizes include:
- Small (7" x 5") - Personal use, great for impulse purchases
- Medium (10" x 6") - Most popular size for everyday use
- Large (14" x 10") - Statement pieces for serious enthusiasts
3. Stash Jars and Storage
Help customers keep their purchases fresh while keeping your brand top-of-mind. UV-protective glass jars with custom printing combine functionality with branding.
Proven Strategies for Merchandise Programs
Gift with Purchase
One of the most effective strategies is offering a free branded item with purchases over a certain amount. For example:
- Free custom grinder with orders over $75
- Free rolling tray with first-time purchases over $100
- Exclusive items for members reaching spending tiers
Loyalty Program Integration
Build merchandise into your loyalty program:
- Offer exclusive branded items as point redemption options
- Create limited-edition seasonal items for top-tier members
- Use merchandise as surprise-and-delight moments
Retail Add-Ons
Don't give everything away—quality branded merchandise can be a profit center:
- Price items at a modest markup for retail sale
- Create premium "dispensary merch" collections
- Bundle accessories with flower or concentrate purchases
Measuring ROI on Branded Merchandise
Track these metrics to understand your merchandise program's impact:
- Customer return rate - Do customers who receive merch come back more often?
- Average ticket size - Does the gift-with-purchase threshold increase order values?
- Social media mentions - Are customers sharing photos with your branded items?
- Word-of-mouth referrals - Ask new customers how they heard about you
Getting Started with Custom Merchandise
Ready to launch your branded merchandise program? Here are the key steps:
- Define your goals - Are you focused on customer acquisition, retention, or both?
- Set a budget - Start with 2-5% of your marketing budget for merchandise
- Choose quality items - Your merchandise reflects your brand quality
- Work with specialists - Partner with suppliers who understand the cannabis industry
- Start small, scale up - Test with one or two items before expanding
Why MunchMakers?
At MunchMakers, we specialize in custom cannabis accessories for dispensaries and brands. With low minimums, fast turnaround, and expert design assistance, we make it easy to launch your branded merchandise program.
Request a free mockup to see your logo on our products, or browse our catalog to explore the possibilities.