(Newswire.net — June 29, 2021) — Whether you are visiting a Fort Collins dispensary in person or having marijuana delivered, you want to make sure you observe the proper etiquette. Are you supposed to tip when you get service? And, if so, how much? While there’s no one right answer, these are what cannabis industry workers and customers say is the right choice.
It’s a good idea to remember that every experience is a little different. You may have different expectations if you are making large purchases, or if you have very specific needs to be addressed. There will be times when a bigger tip is more appropriate, and times when a small gratuity will do.
In the Dispensary
In most dispensaries, there will be a tip jar on the counter. This makes sense since the people who work there typically spend a good amount of time helping visitors understand their offerings.
How much you should tip depends on the sort of service you received. Did you just pop in for a quick purchase and already knew what you wanted? A five percent tip is probably adequate. Did you ask a lot of questions and take up a lot of time? Something closer to 20% would be more appropriate.
While tips are not required, they can really make a dispensary worker’s day. Making the people who offer service feel appreciated makes it more likely that you will continue to get excellent service at every visit.
A budtender who you take care of will take care of you. They’ll take the time to learn about your preferences, and make recommendations for you. If a new product that you would especially enjoy becomes available, they’ll make sure to let you know. Taking care of the people who take care of you can pay off in many ways.
And, don’t forget your favorite budtender at the holidays. Many people choose to give a small gift card or a cash tip at this time to show appreciation for the work they do all year.
Curbside Pickup
With curbside pickup, you are likely not spending as much time with the dispensary worker as you would if you went into the store. However, they still did take some time to weigh out and package your purchase. A small tip, usually a couple of bucks, is a good choice here.
Think of it the same way you would when picking up food from a sit-down restaurant. Servers have to take time to pack up your meal, ensure you have all the right utensils and condiments, and bring it out to your car. Compensating them for that time is the right thing to do.
If the store looks especially busy, a higher tip may be a good choice. Someone who is having to run back and forth to take care of curbside customers, while balancing time spent inside with other patrons, would probably appreciate the extra reward.
Delivery Drivers
Many buyers say they are more likely to tip a driver than they are to tip a dispensary worker behind the counter in a shop. Most compare it to pizza delivery. You tip the delivery driver, but you may not leave more than a buck or two in the tip jar when you pick up a pizza instead.
Delivery drivers offer you the convenience of ordering from your own home. You don’t need to get in your car and drive, you don’t need to wait in line, and you barely have to interact with anyone if you don’t want to. This is worth a little bit of extra on top of the cost of your purchase. Tip amounts vary, but most people say they give between $5 and $20 per delivery.
Also, consider weather conditions when you are working out how much to tip. If it is a rainy day, or if the streets are slick with ice, your delivery driver deserves a premium. They are going out in unpleasant or even dangerous conditions so that you don’t have to.
In the end, whether to tip and how much is a personal choice. People who work in the cannabis industry spend all of their time engaged with weed culture and have a lot to share with the customers who treat them right. By adding a gratuity to each purchase, you can continue to get the sort of service that makes the dispensary experience a pleasure.