Choosing a cannabis Point of Sale (POS) system is one of the most important decisions a dispensary can make—and the demo process is your first real opportunity to gauge whether a platform fits your store’s needs. More than just a sales pitch, a POS demo gives owners, managers, and IT staff the chance to ask hard questions, see live functionalities, and visualize daily operations using the system. Here’s what to expect during the demo process, and how to get the most value out of it.
1. Initial Walkthrough and Overview
Demos typically begin with a high-level walkthrough of the POS system. The sales representative will provide background on the company, notable clients, and what makes their software different. Expect to hear buzzwords like “compliance integration,” “real-time reporting,” “multi-location scalability,” and “custom workflows.” This is your chance to listen closely, but keep your questions for later when the hands-on demo begins.
2. Core Feature Presentation
Next, the rep will dive into the software’s key features. These usually include:
- Sales transactions (including cash, debit, and loyalty redemptions)
- Customer profiles and purchase history
- Inventory management and Metrc/BioTrack syncing
- Compliance safeguards like purchase limits and auto-reporting
- Employee permissions and shift management
- Discount rules and promotional pricing
- Reporting dashboards with real-time data
If you’re a vertically integrated business, the demo may also include modules for cultivation, manufacturing, or distribution. Be sure to ask for specifics if these functions are critical to your operation.
3. Real-World Use Scenarios
The best demos walk you through real-world dispensary scenarios. For instance, how the system handles:
- A patient purchasing multiple products at once
- Split payments (cash + debit + loyalty points)
- Managing an inventory discrepancy during intake
- Applying promotions that comply with local regulations
This is where you see how intuitive the system is for both budtenders and managers. Ask the rep to simulate scenarios that reflect your store’s busiest days or compliance complexities.
4. Compliance and Reporting Discussion
In regulated markets, compliance is non-negotiable. During the demo, expect the provider to highlight how their system helps you stay compliant—especially with daily limits, ID verification, sales tracking, and integrations with seed-to-sale systems. Ask how it handles:
- Metrc or BioTrack reporting (is it automatic, or manual?)
- Daily limit calculations for patients
- Red flag alerts for high-risk transactions
Also, dive into the reporting suite. Look at how customizable and exportable reports are for sales, taxes, product categories, and employee activity.
5. User Experience and Interface Evaluation
Ease of use can make or break your in-store operations. A good demo allows you to navigate the interface yourself—or at least see how a budtender interacts with it. Notice:
- How quickly transactions are processed
- How easy it is to train a new employee
- Whether the system slows down with multiple windows or tabs
- If the interface works equally well on tablets and desktops
6. Hardware Compatibility and Payment Integration
Expect a brief overview of compatible hardware such as receipt printers, barcode scanners, cash drawers, and ID verification tools. The rep may also discuss integration with PIN debit or ACH payment providers, which is essential given cannabis’s cash-heavy environment.
7. Post-Demo Questions and Customization Options
Toward the end, the rep should open the floor for questions. This is your chance to ask about pricing tiers, implementation timelines, customer support, training programs, and contract flexibility. If you have unique workflows or branding requirements, ask whether the system allows for customization.
Something to Think About
A POS demo is more than a technical presentation—it’s a strategic business decision point. Come prepared with your team, bring real operational challenges to discuss, and ask for references or case studies. With the right questions and focused attention, a demo can help you determine if a POS system will truly support your dispensary’s growth and compliance needs.