As the hemp industry grows, more and more hemp products begin to hit the shelves of stores nationwide. The more we learn about this incredible plant, the larger the variety of available products becomes. For many shoppers, including the experienced ones, the ability to find a quality product that fits their needs feels like hunting for a needle in a haystack.
Thankfully, there are ways for shoppers to find what they are looking for while minimizing the risk of picking out a subpar product. Here are just a handful of the ways shoppers can find a quality product:
Does the Product Have a COA?
A certificate of Analysis, or COA for short, is the third party testing results from a certified laboratory. COAs contain important information about hemp-based products, such as;
- THC potency
- Cannabinoids present in the product
- Any contaminants found within the product
- When the product was made and/or tested
- The presence of any pesticides, herbicides, molds, etc. within the product
By law, every hemp product should be tied to a COA. Not only does this serve as a quality control measure, but also verifies the product falls within federal and state guidelines.
Read the Reviews
Taking time to read the reviews on a product you are considering will save you time and money in the long run. Brands that value honesty and transparency want to hear what their customers think about their products. In turn, new shoppers get an inside look at how their experience with the same products could be.
Similar to COA’s reviews can hold a wealth of information. Some of this information can include;
- How the individual felt after using a product
- Any side effects an individual felt from a product, whether they be good or bad.
- What an individual liked or disliked about a product.
What Educational Information Does the Brand Provide?
A brand could have the best products available on the market, but if their customers do not know how to use the products, then they may not have the experience they deserve. This is why investing in information and education is a key aspect of any quality brand.
The way that brands promote education can vary on a variety of different factors including audience, products, and business model. However, some of the most common places to find informational and educational content;
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
- A blog on the brand’s website
- YouTube videos
- Podcasts
What Contact Information Does the Brand Provide?
Trustworthy and transparent brands want to make sure their customers can get in touch with them if they have any questions or concerns. This helps maintain honesty and establishes a connection between the consumer and the brand.
Some of the most popular ways brands provide contact information include;
- Emails
- Phone numbers
- Live Chat
Contact information types can vary from brand to brand, similar to educational content. However, the quality brands want to ensure that their shoppers can contact them easily and quickly.
How do Brands Use AI?
No matter how you feel about artificial intelligence, it is here to stay and it is being used. What shoppers need to look for is how AI is being used rather than if it is being used. A few questions to consider regarding the use of AI in hemp-based product marketing are;
- Is AI being used to enhance the consumer experience or is it being used as a quick replacement for quality content?
- Are brands using visual AI images as a replacement for real photos?
- Do any AI images used violate any copyright laws?
Quality brands will be selective about how they use AI. Vice Versa, fly-by-night brands may use it to appear transparent while still falling short.
The Bottom Line
Shopping for a hemp-based product can feel like a daunting task, even for the most experienced shopper. However, having tools like the ones listed above can help streamline the process, saving you time, money, and your sanity. By practicing these quality control methods while shopping for a hemp-based product, you are setting yourself up for success.