When cannabis delivery services roll out “free delivery” promotions, they bank on the idea that convenience equals value. However, in reality, customers may not be saving as much as they think—especially compared to straight product discounts.

The Illusion of Free

Free delivery has strong psychological appeal—studies consistently show it drives conversion rates and enhances perceived product quality. This makes it a powerful promotional tool for retailers. But from the customer’s standpoint, it’s important to look beyond surface savings. Delivery fees are often baked into prices through minimum order requirements—commonly $50–$75—or slightly higher product markups to offset operational costs.

So while a shopper may avoid a $10–$20 delivery fee, they often buy more to meet thresholds or pay subtly elevated prices to compensate for the “free” offer. Some industry experts note that free delivery can mean saving as much as $20–$30, especially on small orders—but only if the base prices aren’t inflated.

Product Discounts: Transparent Savings

Direct product discounts—like 20% off flower or BOGO deals—tend to offer clear, dollar-for-dollar savings the customer can track immediately. Medical-user discounts, for instance, average notably higher than recreational deals, and product promotions frequently draw customers in during slower seasons. Shoppers tend to feel more confident they got a tangible bargain than with the fuzzy, delivery-based savings.

Real Feedback from Shoppers

Reddit threads and customer reviews reflect this sentiment:

“Free delivery is great until you realize the prices are inflated to cover the cost” – typical user feedback.

Shoppers routinely mention meeting a high minimum to “qualify” for free delivery, ending up spending more than they would have if they’d taken a smaller, discounted deal.

Retailers’ Incentive Logic

Cannabis retailers prefer free delivery because it encourages repeat, larger basket purchases. A single free delivery offer can pull in higher total spend—even if the margin per product remains modest. Compare that to deep product discounts, which can squeeze margins more heavily. Retailers often strike a balance: free delivery tied to a modest spend level (e.g., $50), plus locked-in loyalty or subscription deals.

What Actually Saves the Customer?

• Free delivery offers are most beneficial for small, frequent orders where the standard fee would otherwise add up—but only if product prices are transparent.
• Product discounts deliver clear savings, and because they’re more straightforward, savvy consumers often value them more.
• The sweet spot? Combining modest free delivery (no inflated minimums) with actual product discounts yields the best value—and that’s a rarer but more effective consumer-friendly strategy.

Bottom Line

Free delivery isn’t inherently a better deal—it depends on pricing strategy. True savings come when retailers maintain honest pricing and let product discounts drive value instead of hiding costs in delivery. For cannabis delivery shoppers, the best advice is to compare total order costs, including hidden markup, before assuming “free” equals free.