Definition
POS texting refers to the integration of a dispensary’s point-of-sale system with a compliant SMS infrastructure that enables transactional alerts, order updates, and approved marketing communications based on real customer activity. It connects retail events such as purchases, loyalty milestones, or order fulfillment to messaging workflows.
This solution is designed for licensed cannabis dispensaries operating in regulated markets where carrier filtering, consent enforcement, and 10DLC registration requirements directly impact deliverability. It is most appropriate when a store wants real-time automation tied to POS triggers while maintaining telecom compliance.
Blackleaf provides telecom-grade infrastructure purpose-built for regulated industries, combining API integration, compliance review, and carrier-aligned routing. Learn more about messaging infrastructure under Smart Routing and SMS API.
Quick Answer
POS texting connects your dispensary’s POS system to a compliant SMS platform so customer actions automatically trigger approved messages. When implemented correctly with consent capture, campaign registration, and filtering controls, it increases operational efficiency and retail revenue while protecting deliverability.
Without proper carrier registration and content controls, however, POS-triggered campaigns can be filtered, throttled, or blocked. Compliance-first integration is essential.
Key Takeaways
- POS texting must be 10DLC registered and aligned with campaign use case disclosures.
- Consent capture at checkout is the foundation of deliverability.
- Transactional messaging carries lower filtering risk than promotional traffic.
- Routing logic influences throughput and carrier trust.
- Performance must be measured beyond open rates, including opt-out velocity and filter rate.
Step-by-Step Process
- Capture compliant express consent at checkout with clear disclosure.
- Register your brand and campaign with The Campaign Registry.
- Define use cases such as order alerts or loyalty notifications.
- Integrate POS events with a compliant SMS infrastructure using an API.
- Implement opt-out management and automated suppression logic.
- Monitor delivery receipts, opt-out trends, and carrier feedback.
Blackleaf supports registration and compliance alignment through its Compliance framework and configurable automation inside Mass Texting.
Checklist
- Clear checkout consent language
- Opt-in source documentation
- STOP and HELP keyword support
- Campaign registration approval
- Content aligned with approved use case
- Transactional and promotional traffic separated
- Automated DNC suppression
- Ongoing monitoring via Inbox and reporting tools
Comparison
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct POS to carrier gateway | Low technical complexity | High filtering risk, no compliance controls | Non-regulated industries |
| Third-party generic SMS tool | Simple UI | Often restricts cannabis content | Basic transactional alerts |
| Regulated SMS platform like Blackleaf | Smart routing, campaign compliance, deliverability monitoring | Requires structured onboarding | Licensed cannabis dispensaries |
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| High message blocking | Unregistered campaign or content mismatch | Review campaign disclosure and align traffic |
| Sudden opt-out spike | Over-frequency or unclear consent | Adjust cadence and audit opt-in flow |
| Carrier throughput throttling | Traffic spike beyond registered limits | Implement load balancing with Smart Routing |
Common Mistakes
Many dispensaries treat POS texting as simple automation without understanding telecom enforcement mechanisms. Common mistakes include sending promotional content under transactional campaigns, failing to store consent timestamps, ignoring opt-out trend data, and relying on shared short codes not approved for cannabis use cases.
Another frequent error is not segmenting loyalty updates from promotional blasts. For loyalty-specific automation, see Loyalty.
Metrics That Matter
Performance should be evaluated using operational and telecom indicators, not just revenue.
- Delivery rate by carrier
- Opt-out rate per 1,000 messages
- Filter or error code frequency
- Revenue per message sent
- Conversion rate from order alerts
For real-time transactional triggers, reference Order Alerts.
FAQ
Question: Is POS texting legal for cannabis dispensaries?
Answer: It is permitted when consent is obtained and campaigns are properly registered under 10DLC guidelines.
Question: What is 10DLC?
Answer: 10-digit long code messaging used for application-to-person traffic that requires brand and campaign registration.
Question: Do carriers treat cannabis differently?
Answer: Yes. Cannabis content falls under restricted categories and must comply with carrier and CTIA rules.
Question: What messages are safest to automate?
Answer: Transactional messages such as order confirmations and pickup notifications.
Question: How do I reduce filtering?
Answer: Align content to your registered use case and monitor carrier error codes.
Question: Can I send daily promotions?
Answer: High-frequency promotional traffic increases opt-out risk and carrier scrutiny.
Question: What happens if I am not registered?
Answer: Messages may be blocked or heavily filtered.
Question: Should I separate marketing and transactional campaigns?
Answer: Yes. Separation improves transparency and deliverability.
Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10DLC | Registered long code messaging channel for business SMS. |
| Campaign Registration | Disclosure of messaging use case submitted to carriers. |
| Opt-Out Velocity | Rate at which recipients unsubscribe after a campaign. |
| Throughput | Number of messages permitted per second by carriers. |
Sources and Further Reading
CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices provides carrier-aligned messaging standards and enforcement guidance.
The Campaign Registry outlines brand and campaign registration requirements for 10DLC.
FCC Telemarketing and Robocalls Guidance explains federal consent and communication rules.
FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule Guidance details compliance expectations for commercial messaging.