How Cinder Handles Cannabis Education
Cinder knows it doesn’t matter how good your cannabis is if your bud tenders aren’t educated enough to sell it properly. One way they’re combating this is through standardized budtender training. Chyanne is their Education and Training Specialist. Every new employee goes through an onboarding process with Chyanne and the general manager.
This process includes going over the employee manual, best discounting practices, and basic customer service requirements, Johnson says. The bud tenders are then trained on basic cannabis knowledge. They’re given a singular focus every training session, and at the conclusion, new hires must pass a written test. The goal is to have every employee skilled enough to sell every product in their store.
“Growing methods, the difference between BHO and PHO [concentrates,] why differences in flavors exist, how to read testing results,” Johnson says. “Everyone’s required to know the basics for themselves.”
This seems like common sense, but the cannabis industry is still in its infancy, Many dispensaries don’t train their employees on product knowledge and let them sell based solely on their own knowledge. This results in less consistency for return customers and increases the likelihood of misinformation spreading, and quickly in today’s world of social media addiction.
“I understand why some of these stores haven’t put together budtender training, it’s really difficult, It’s something we decided to focus on.”
-Becca Johnson
Cinder’s cannabis education initiative is impressive because cannabis basically sells itself. Most shops let budtenders fend for themselves because they know the chances of customers leaving the store with an empty stash, are incredibly slim. Education is crucial if the cannabis industry has any chance of becoming feasible on a nationwide level. The more people know, the less people fear.
PC: Cinder Facebook
Fostering Community Growth Through Employee Appreciation
Educated budtenders create educated customers. Educated customers educate their friends, family, and everyone on their social media feeds. Education has the power to spread quickly in the social media age and it can make or break you.
“Fostering a loyal clientele base starts with education, but employee appreciation is important too. If your bud tenders are friendly and personalize each experience based on the customer’s needs, people will drive miles for repeat business“, Johnson says.
If customers are traveling to spend money with a certain employee, it’s in their best interest to allow that employee to grow with the company. This fosters strong team chemistry and a positive environment that customers respond to and enjoy being in.
“Your bud tenders are your business.” -Johnson
What You’ll Find on Cinder’s Shelves
Driftboat, Kudu Farms, Artizen, Virgina Company, GLW are five growers you will find on their shelves at all time. With the exception of Artizen, the other four producers operate in eastern Washington. Other brands you can expect to find are Bodhi High, Western Cultured, Dawgstar and Kush Valley.
“We want to support our local market as much as possible,” Johnson says.
Anything from GLW is going to be Johnson’s favorite, her and the staff are “obsessed with it.” It’s the best selling brand at all three locations. Paul from Cinder’s downtown location has The Joint Effort smoke list on lock. See everyone December 2nd.
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