When it comes to the CBD business, establishing a strong rapport with customers is paramount. Beyond merely selling products, successful CBD shops prioritize building lasting relationships with their clientele.
According to Grand View Research, the global CBD market was valued at $7.71 billion in 2023. Within the next six years, this market will be valued at $22.05 billion.
Therefore, it’s evident that the global CBD market is getting more and more competitive. Even in the US, the competition in this market is intensifying. According to Statista, CBD product sales in the US stood at $4.17 billion in 2022. By 2026, this market in the US is expected to grow to $4.23 billion in value. Thus, CBD shops need to do more to attract customers, and the best way to do so is by building rapport with them.
Building on customer relations goes beyond basic transactions. In the CBD business, it’s about creating a sense of trust, understanding, and loyalty. Here’s how CBD shops can cultivate meaningful connections with their customers and build rapport with them.
Personalized Consultations
Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, take the time to understand each customer’s unique needs, preferences, and concerns. Encourage open dialogue and active listening during consultations, allowing customers to express their goals and any challenges they may be facing.
By demonstrating genuine interest and expertise, you can provide tailored recommendations that address their specific requirements. Whether it’s selecting the right CBD product or discussing dosage and usage guidelines, personalized consultations show customers that their well-being is your top priority.
Transparent Communication
Transparency is essential for building trust and credibility with customers. Be upfront about the sourcing, manufacturing, and testing processes of your CBD products. Clearly communicate details such as extraction methods, ingredient lists, and lab test results to reassure customers of the quality and safety of your offerings. Also, address any questions or concerns with honesty and integrity, fostering an environment of transparency and accountability.
Make sure you’re transparent with your suggestions as well. For instance, a customer may visit your store looking for scales with varying pan sizes to measure CBD powder. They want these scales for accurate weighing. Now, according to Mike’s Worldwide, Inc., there are scales that can measure up to the 0.1 gram range. There are also those that can measure up to .01 grams.
Based on your expertise as the store owner, you have to be transparent about these details when dealing with this customer. You can’t simply lie to them or hide anything you know about the scales. As seen on www.gomwi.com/pages/scales, even the slightest of weight difference can matter when using scales for CBD products. Therefore, you have to be honest and transparent when selling such products.
The same goes for other CBD products in your store – to build rapport with customers, you must be honest about your products.
Exceptional Customer Service
Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of any successful retail establishment. Train your staff to deliver attentive, courteous, and knowledgeable assistance to every customer interaction. Empower them to go above and beyond in addressing customer needs and resolving issues promptly and effectively.
Encourage a culture of empathy and responsiveness, where customers feel valued, respected, and cared for throughout their shopping experience. Whether it’s offering product recommendations, providing support with inquiries, or handling returns and exchanges with ease, prioritize customer satisfaction at every touchpoint.
Education-Based Marketing
As reported by FoodNavigator USA, in the rapidly evolving CBD industry, a lot of misinformation is often spread around. Thus, the FDA advises CBD sellers to ensure that their products are clearly labeled and safely manufactured. As a trusted retailer, you should also educate your customers and dispel common myths surrounding CBD.
Host informative workshops, webinars, or in-store events where customers can learn about the science behind CBD, its potential benefits, and different consumption methods. Provide educational materials such as brochures, articles, or blog posts that offer valuable insights and guidance.
By positioning yourself as a reliable source of information, you can empower customers to make informed decisions. At the same time, you can establish yourself as a knowledgeable authority in the CBD field.
Follow-Up and Feedback
The journey of building rapport with customers doesn’t end at the point of sale. It also extends into ongoing engagement and relationship nurturing.
Follow up with customers after their purchase to gather feedback, express gratitude, and address any post-purchase questions or concerns they may have. Solicit feedback through surveys, reviews, or direct communication channels to gain insights into their experiences and preferences. Actively listen to their feedback, acknowledge their input, and incorporate constructive suggestions into your business practices where appropriate.
In conclusion, building rapport with customers is an endeavor that requires a strategic blend of personalized attention, education, transparency, exceptional service, and ongoing communication. By adopting these strategies, CBD shops can create meaningful connections that transcend mere transactions, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect. As the CBD industry continues to evolve, prioritizing customer rapport will remain vital in cultivating a loyal and satisfied customer base.