Working as a Budtender: Serving Customers from All Walks of Life
Working as a budtender, you encounter a diverse range of customers every day. People from all walks of life smoke weed, and it’s your job to serve them all with a smile. From the homeless to the rich and famous, the variety of people who come into the dispensary can be surprising, challenging, and rewarding all at once. Here are some of the types of customers you’re likely to encounter, and how to handle them.
Different Types of Customers
The Casual Smoker
Casual smokers come in all shapes and sizes. They’re usually looking for a little something to help them relax or unwind after a long day. They may not know much about strains or THC percentages, but they’re always open to recommendations. This type of customer is easy to please and easy to work with, as long as you listen to their needs and make suggestions that fit their preferences.
The Connoisseur
Connoisseurs are the opposite of casual smokers. They know exactly what they want, and they’re not afraid to ask for it. They can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the job, but don’t be discouraged. Connoisseurs can sometimes be aggressive and demanding, but are often the most rewarding customers to work with because they appreciate your expertise and can be loyal to the dispensary if you give them great service.
The Medical Patient
Medical patients are looking for relief from insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety, or other ailments. They may be experienced smokers or new to cannabis, but they all have a specific need that they’re looking to address. As a budtender, it’s important to take the time to listen to their concerns and make recommendations based on their medical history and symptoms.
Poor/Homeless Customers
Unfortunately this can be one of the most difficult situations when working as a budtender, not everyone has the means to buy top-shelf products or even basic necessities. Poor/homeless customers may come in looking for a cheap pre-roll or edible to get them through the day. Working as a budtender, it’s important to treat them with the same respect and dignity as any other customer and also uphold them to the same standards and rules of everyone else as well.
Rich and Famous
On the other end of the spectrum, you may encounter rich and famous customers who have no budget constraints. They may be interested in rare strains or exotic products that you don’t see every day. It’s important to be knowledgeable about the products and help them find what they’re looking for when working as a budtender. As well as be discreet and quiet about who they are and what they do for a living.
Handling Different Types of Customers
Be Patient and Understanding
Working with customers from all walks of life can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that everyone deserves respect and kindness. When dealing with difficult customers, take a deep breath and try to understand their perspective. Maybe they’re having a bad day, or maybe they just don’t know how to express what they’re looking for. Whatever the case may be, treat them with patience and empathy.
Tailor Recommendations to the Customer
No two customers are alike, and the same strain that works for one person may not work for another. Take the time to get to know your customers and make recommendations based on their preferences, needs, and experience level when working as a budtender. If a customer is new to cannabis, start with a low-THC strain and work your way up. If they’re experienced, ask them about their favorite strains and make suggestions based on their feedback.
Stay Professional and Knowledgeable
When working as a budtender, you are the face of the dispensary. It’s important to maintain a professional demeanor and be knowledgeable about the products you’re selling. Be prepared to answer questions about THC percentages, terpenes, and other cannabis-related topics. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to say so and offer to find out. Most customers appreciate honesty and transparency.
Final Thoughts
Working as a budtender can be a challenging and rewarding experience. You’ll encounter customers from all walks of life, each with their own unique needs and preferences. By being patient, understanding, and knowledgeable you can provide excellent service to every customer who walks through the door. Remember, a great budtender can make all the difference in a customer’s experience, so keep smiling and keep learning.
