More Than a POS: Mariner’s Human-First Tech Solutions

Running a modern retail operation — whether it’s a gift shop, dispensary,
or delivery service — takes more than a point-of-sale system. Retail
success requires a partner who won’t disappear after installation but
instead stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the operator as their business
grows. That’s the role Mariner Business Solutions was built to fill.

“Mariner was created to be a dedicated resource, service, and support for
retail customers,” said President Sue Swenson. “Technology is changing
nearly on a daily basis, and [point-of-sale] systems will need to keep up
with store owners’ vision of how the best customer service can be achieved.
Mariner continues to adapt and innovate around these changes. Our style has
always been to give the customer what they want, even if it requires
thinking outside the box.”

Founded in Denver in 1983, today Mariner offers a full seed-to-sale
technology suite called CannaPoint that incorporates point-of-sale (POS)
software, hardware, payments, inventory tracking, and network security.
Everything is backed by live human support with after-hours availability
that makes retailers feel seen, heard, and understood.
Real people, real support

While many POS companies lead with their feature list, Swenson said
Mariner’s cornerstone is its service model.

“Every customer is unique in their own way, even if the markets are
similar,” she said. “There are different procedures, mindsets, and
demographics. We want each customer to know they count and are not just a
number.”

All incoming calls are answered, in person, by a Mariner support team
member; no waiting in a call queue or leaving a message to be routed to
someone else. The hands-on approach means most issues are solved quickly.

“We have clients open 365 days a year, and we feel it’s important to be
able to provide support during their normal hours of operation,” Swenson
said. “Our customers appreciate reaching one of our team members, so any
issue can be resolved during their initial phone call. We prioritize
building relationships and really getting to know our customers’ business.”

This level of access builds long-term relationships and allows Mariner to
gain and maintain a deep understanding of each client’s operation. That
knowledge is what allows the company to offer truly tailored solutions.
Customization that fits
[image: Mariner Business Solutions logo]

From the first meeting, Mariner focuses on listening. “We get a full
understanding of what the client’s business looks like, where they want to
go, and what hurdles they need to overcome,” Swenson said.

The process involves spreadsheets, meetings, and a detailed scope of work.
Weekly check-ins keep both sides aligned as the project moves forward.
Mariner’s developers, who possess a combined total of seventy years of
experience, then either draw from their extensive library of existing
customizations or create a unique solution.

“No two cannabis businesses are exactly alike,” Swenson said. “Sometimes
it’s as simple as modifying an existing customization, and sometimes we
build something entirely new.”
Full seed-to-sale coverage

Because Mariner provides both software and hardware, operators can rely on
a single partner rather than juggling multiple vendors.

“Finger-pointing and slow problem resolution can be an issue when different
companies are responsible for different pieces of the POS systems,” Swenson
said. “When a problem arises, customers want to call one person and have
them solve it. Our goal is to help the customer spend less time on
technology and more time with their own clientele for a smooth-running
operation.”

That one-stop-shop approach extends to cultivation, processing,
distribution, and retail. Mariner can track inventory down to the bin and
shelf level across multiple physical locations. The company’s mobile
solutions even allow delivery drivers to check orders, take payments, and
keep inventory up to date in real time.
Payments and security

Mariner also helps operators navigate the complex cannabis payment
landscape, which is a consistent challenge for many.

“We’ve created relationships with cash-handling systems, ATM machines,
cryptocurrency dealers, and cash discounting,” said Swenson. “We can also
integrate gift cards and coupons into the POS system. We identify which
payment choices are needed for the customer and provide a roadmap to these
choices.”

Because payments and inventory data are valuable targets for bad actors,
Mariner pairs its solutions with enterprise-level network security.

“Hackers, ransomware, fraudulent transactions — these can put a business
out of commission in the blink of an eye,” Swenson said. “We provide secure
hardware firewalls, [virtual private networks] for multi-location
operations, and cybersecurity management to protect our customers’ data and
keep their businesses running.”
Staying ahead of the curve

Looking ahead, Mariner sees technology continuing to reshape cannabis
operations. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is becoming more common
for inventory accuracy, and analytics powered by artificial intelligence
(AI) are playing a larger role in sales forecasting and customer retention.

“We’re just starting to see the results of including AI-based statistics in
sales predictions and loss prevention,” Swenson said. “That’s only going to
grow.”

Self-checkout kiosks also are gaining traction, allowing customers to
control their loyalty programs, marketing preferences, and checkout speed.
To support this trend, Mariner has rolled out a browser-based dashboard
that gives operators real-time insight into key performance indicators and
store performance, even from their phones.

Bottom line: Mariner’s mission is to combine cutting-edge technology with a
human touch.

“The customer experience has to incorporate security, convenience, and
personalization,” Swenson said. “Our goal is to give operators the tools
they need while still being a real voice on the other end of the phone when
they need help.”

*marinerpossystems.com*
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Mariner Business Solutions: POS and retail tech FAQs

1. What makes Mariner different from other POS providers?

Mariner combines customizable seed-to-sale technology with 365-day live
support and real human service.
2. Does Mariner’s CannaPoint platform support cannabis-specific payments?

Yes. CannaPoint integrates with cash-handling systems, ATMs, gift cards,
and more for secure transactions.
3. Can Mariner customize POS solutions for my business?

Absolutely. Mariner tailors software and hardware to fit each client’s
unique operations and goals.