SMS marketing isn’t what it used to be — especially in cannabis retail.
Rising carrier fees, strict compliance rules, and dwindling engagement are making many dispensaries rethink their customer communication strategies.
If you're still relying on SMS to drive loyalty and foot traffic, it's time to understand what’s changing and what it could be costing you.
The True Cost of SMS in 2025
In 2025, sending a single SMS to a customer can cost dispensaries between 2–5 cents per message — and that’s before factoring in carrier fees or penalties for compliance violations.
Here’s where it gets more expensive:
AT&T and T-Mobile’s 10DLC fees: Monthly brand registration and campaign fees add up fast.
Opt-in compliance pressure: Noncompliant messages can result in immediate blocking or blacklisting.
Limited character count: You often need to send multiple messages just to say what you need.
High unsubscribe rates: Cannabis consumers are increasingly ignoring or opting out of SMS entirely.
Why Cannabis Retailers Are Reaching the Limit on SMS
SMS is saturated. It’s regulated. And for cannabis, it’s risky.
As compliance standards tighten, even registered and vetted dispensaries are seeing delays, undelivered messages, or flagged campaigns. That makes SMS less reliable and more expensive than ever while delivering diminishing returns.
How Push Notifications Offer a Smarter Alternative
Instead of paying for every message, cannabis retailers are switching to wallet-based push notifications — using platforms like Sticky Cards.
Here’s why push is gaining momentum in 2025:
No per-message cost
No 10DLC or carrier registration
100% compliant — no SMS restrictions
Instant delivery to lock screens via Apple Wallet or Google Wallet
Branded digital loyalty cards included
Used by 20–30% more repeat customers than SMS
Push notifications through Sticky Cards deliver the same promotional power as SMS — but with zero carrier fees, no compliance headaches, and better engagement.
The Real ROI: SMS vs. Push
Cost Category | SMS Marketing | Sticky Cards Push Notifications |
|---|---|---|
Message Cost | $0.02–$0.05 per message | Free (unlimited) |
Compliance Risk | High | None |
Opt-In Friction | High (manual) | Low (1-tap via Wallet) |
Setup Time | Weeks | <48 hours |
Engagement Rate | Declining | Increasing |
The Bottom Line for 2025
If you’re a cannabis retailer, SMS may be costing you more than it’s worth — and delivering less than it used to.
With Sticky Cards, you can send unlimited push notifications, grow your loyalty program, and reach customers directly — all without carrier fees or compliance risks.
