In the evolving landscape of cannabis retail, staying connected with your customers is essential. But when it comes to engagement, push vs SMS engagement is the debate every dispensary marketer must face.
With strict regulations around cannabis advertising, your loyalty program is often the only reliable channel to re-engage customers. But which tool does it better - SMS or push notifications?
Let’s break it down.
What Are Push Notifications?
Push notifications are instant messages sent to a customer's device - typically through a wallet pass (like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet). These appear on the lock screen without needing an app or phone number.
Great for loyalty reminders, exclusive deals, and geofenced alerts.
What Is SMS Marketing?
SMS (Short Message Service) texts are sent directly to a customer’s phone number. It’s been a go-to in cannabis for years but the compliance, cost, and deliverability landscape is changing.
Still popular, but often expensive and limited by 10DLC compliance.
Push vs SMS Engagement: Key Metrics
Metric | Push Notifications | SMS Marketing |
|---|---|---|
Open Rate | 90%+ | 20–40% |
Opt-in Friction | Low (wallet tap) | High (manual entry, 10DLC) |
Compliance Risk | Low | High (carrier approval) |
Cost per Message | Free | $0.01–$0.05+ per message |
Delivery Reliability | Very High | Mixed (carrier filtering) |
Customer Experience | Seamless, visual | Text-only, can feel spammy |
SMS Is Losing Its Edge in Cannabis
SMS once led the way but now:
10DLC registration is mandatory
Some carriers block cannabis-related terms
Compliance delays and rejection rates are increasing
And customers are unsubscribing faster due to overload
You pay for every text, even if it's filtered, delayed, or ignored.
Why Push Is Taking Over
Push notifications from wallet-based loyalty programs are:
Instant and visual (on lock screens)
Cost-free (no per-message fees)
Built-in (no apps or logins required)
High-impact (great for limited-time offers and geo triggers)
Sticky Cards retailers see 3–4x higher engagement with push than with SMS.
Real-World Cannabis Use Case
Imagine this:
SMS path:
Customer enters their phone number
Gets a confirmation text
Replies “YES” to opt-in
Waits for a deal - maybe it never comes
Push path (via Sticky Cards):
Loyalty card issued via in-store QR scan or link tap
Added to Apple/Google Wallet
Push notifications land right on their lock screen
Zero wait. No SMS fees. Higher conversion.
Customer Sentiment: Push Feels Native
Customers prefer push because:
It doesn’t feel spammy
It’s part of the tools they already use
They stay in control - without feeling harassed
Wallet-based loyalty makes your store feel premium, not promotional.
Final Verdict: Push vs SMS Engagement
Push notifications win on:
Engagement
Cost
Speed
Compliance
Customer satisfaction
If your loyalty system still depends on SMS alone, you’re leaving ROI on the table.
Sticky Cards Makes Push Easy
Sticky Cards helps cannabis retailers:
Launch wallet-based loyalty in less than a week
Send unlimited push notifications (no SMS needed)
Automate card issuance right from the POS
Boost repeat visits with geofenced push triggers
