As the hemp industry expands, an increasing array of hemp products grace the shelves of stores across the country. With each discovery about this remarkable plant, the diversity of available products burgeons. Yet, for countless shoppers, both seasoned and novice, uncovering a top-notch product tailored to their requirements can seem akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.
Fortunately, there are strategies shoppers can employ to locate their desired item while reducing the chances of selecting an inferior product. Here are just a few approaches shoppers can take to find a superior 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
Devoting some time to peruse reviews before making a purchase can be a wise investment that pays dividends in both time and money over the long haul. Companies that prioritize honesty and openness welcome feedback from their customers, providing valuable insights for potential buyers. By tapping into these reviews, newcomers gain invaluable perspectives on what their own encounters with the product might entail.
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 might boast top-notch products in the market, yet if customers lack knowledge on their usage, they might miss out on the experience they truly deserve. This underscores the importance of investing in information and education for any reputable brand.
The manner in which brands prioritize education can differ based on factors like their target audience, products, and business model. Nonetheless, some prevalent avenues for providing informative and educational content include:
- 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
Searching for a hemp-based product may seem overwhelming, even to seasoned shoppers. Yet, with tools like those mentioned earlier, you can simplify the process, conserving time, finances, and your peace of mind. By applying these quality checks during your hemp product hunt, you’re positioning yourself for success.