How Much Does SMS Cost Cannabis Businesses?

Introduction: The SMS Hype - But at What Cost?

Text message marketing has long been a go-to for cannabis retailers wanting to reach customers fast. But behind the 160-character messages lies a costly and increasingly complex system.

What Are Cannabis Retailers Really Paying For?

Let’s look at where your SMS dollars actually go:

• Segmented Costs: Long texts = multiple segments = multiplied cost.
• Compliance Tools: Opt-out management, content filtering, and legal compliance add layers of platform fees.

1. Carrier Penalties for Non-Compliance: Cannabis retailers often risk message throttling or blocking - even for compliant content.
2. No Guarantee of Deliverability: Despite the costs, deliverability remains inconsistent due to carrier-level filters targeting cannabis keywords.

Wallet Notifications: The 10DLC-Free Alternative

With Sticky Cards:

• No charge per notification.
• Works even after customers leave the store.

Bonus: Push notifications reach customers directly in their Apple or Google Wallet - without the spammy feel of SMS.

Final Thoughts: Skip the SMS Stress

If your SMS bill is climbing and opt-outs are rising, it’s time to rethink your strategy. SMS fatigue is real.