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

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.”

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