Shopping for cannabis today offers more convenience than ever. Consumers can either pre-order online for pickup or delivery, or walk straight into a dispensary to browse. While both approaches have benefits, many shoppers wonder: which method ensures better product availability? The answer depends on how dispensaries manage their inventory, as well as consumer habits and timing.
The Case for Pre-Ordering
Pre-ordering, whether through dispensary websites or apps, has become the go-to method for many consumers. According to a report from Headset, a cannabis analytics firm, online ordering continues to increase year over year, with many shoppers valuing the assurance that products will be waiting when they arrive.
Pre-order systems typically update in real-time, reflecting what is in stock. When a customer places an order, the dispensary pulls those items and sets them aside, effectively reserving them. This process helps reduce the risk of arriving to find a favorite strain or vape cartridge sold out.
For rare drops or limited-edition products, pre-ordering is often the only way to guarantee access. Popular strains can sell out quickly, and securing them online ensures availability. Additionally, pre-ordering saves time—shoppers can skip the browsing phase and head straight to pickup.
The Walk-In Experience
On the other hand, walk-ins still offer unique advantages. Walking into a dispensary allows consumers to see the full menu in person and sometimes access “hidden gems” not listed online. For example, some shops may hold back small batches of premium flower or recently arrived products that haven’t yet been uploaded to their digital menus.
Walk-ins also allow face-to-face budtender guidance. For newer shoppers, this can be essential. Budtenders often have real-time knowledge of what’s fresh, what’s moving quickly, and what’s about to sell out. A Brightfield Group consumer trends survey noted that in-person recommendations remain one of the strongest drivers of sales in cannabis retail.
However, the walk-in approach carries more risk when it comes to availability. High-demand products can vanish within hours, especially at peak shopping times or during cannabis holidays like 4/20. Without a reservation, shoppers may need to settle for alternatives.
Why Availability Differs
The difference comes down to how dispensaries allocate inventory. Most dispensaries prioritize online orders by setting aside products as soon as they’re confirmed. That means walk-in customers are shopping from what remains.
Still, inventory systems aren’t perfect. Technical errors, delayed updates, or miscounts can occasionally cause issues for both pre-order and walk-in shoppers. This is why it helps to check reviews or call ahead if looking for something specific.
Striking the Balance
For consumers, the best approach may be situational. Those who know exactly what they want—especially popular edibles, limited flower strains, or specific brands—will have better luck with pre-ordering. Meanwhile, those who enjoy browsing, discovering new products, or benefiting from budtender insights might prefer the walk-in route.
Ultimately, neither method guarantees 100% product availability. But pre-ordering does tip the odds in favor of securing top choices, while walk-ins keep the shopping experience flexible and spontaneous.