Doug S.
Yelp
Another one star for Emerald Haze who, I have to admit, I was working to find ways to love, since they're close, local, and not a chain.
First, prices here are the same as anywhere else (in a metropolitan area). So those complaining about price are clearly used to shopping rurally. You can fairly argue that given their location near a VERY low income neighborhood that they should be more sensitive to their total demographic, but that's for another review.
Okay, here's why they get a star.
My best friend and I started going here about six weeks ago. We generally go in separately, because he stops by after work, I usually stop by during the day. But we went together the first time. Nice general impression. Clean, friendly, easy access, okay prices, close. We buy some product and we're generally pleased. This is where our experiences diverge wildly.
The next time he goes in, he buys $200 of product and they exclaim "oh my, you come here often and buy lots, we'd like to give you a customer loyalty card (takes the place of the earlier discount card, apparently). It's a Black Card that says "Emerald Haze" and under it "Cannabis Emporium" with "Black Card" on the very bottom.
Next time I go in, I spend $200 on some product and linger a bit, wondering if I'll be offered the Black Card. Exact same amount of money was exchanged, we've come in the number of times, but HE'S worthy of a customer loyalty card, while I get squat.
So next time, I buy the same $200 and just ask them point blank about it. "we do not have discount cards, all our our specials are run store-wide." I think it's worth nothing that my friend has some of the worst customer service skills on the planet and is a self-admitted grouch--he's NEVER nice to folks behind the counter. I, on the other hand, always keep things very light, very respectful. I guess that's my A$$hole disclaimer. Unless I hear back from Emerald Haze, this review will stand. Until then, neither I nor my buddy will be spending our $500/per month for product there. Hello Unkle Ike's.
My advice to Emerald Haze: give EVERY customer a preferred card. Most will forget it most of the time and you'll lose nothing. What you gain is a customer who believes that you truly care about his experience at your store.