25/07/2024

5 Tips to Find the Best Pre-Roll Machine Before You Invest

If you’re a cannabis operator looking to scale pre-roll production, choosing the best pre-roll machine for your specific needs can be daunting.

With so many stories of operators who have sunk money into automation that doesn’t even run, a misstep here could prove costly.

How can you best navigate this process of finding a pre-roll automation machine that does exactly what you need it to?

Here are 5 things to consider.

#1) Find Authentic Reviews

Sales reps will say anything to get you to buy. And most online reviews are bought and paid for, which means you can’t always trust the content you find online when it comes to finding the best pre-roll machine.

You’ve got to talk to people, other operators who have bought the machine in question.

A worthy automation supplier will be proud to connect you with their clients because they know they have a positive story worth sharing.

#2) Reliability & Customer Service

Too many cannabis operators have wound up with joint machines that don’t even run. This negative return is unacceptable, and cannabis operators deserve better.

For instance, does the prospective automation partner offer extensive training during installation and 24/7 customer support like Hefestus does?

Or do they disappear after you buy the machine, leaving you with an expensive problem.

Only roll with automation partners that will have you back 24/7.

#3) Versatility & Simplicity

With the rise of infused pre-rolls, manufacturing has only become more intensive. If you’re mass-producing joints, you need a machine that can do almost anything you need it to.

However, there are a few caveats when shopping around for that machine:

Versatility – A lot of newer automation suppliers claim they can their machine can do it all, but authentic reviews say otherwise. Look for a proven track record.
Simplicity – Be weary of machines that are overly-engineered. You want something that is simple, easy to clean, easy to work with, and that doesn’t take up too much floor space. At Hefestus, we call this value “simplistic sophistication.”

#4) Proven Track Record

How long has the automation company existed? What markets are they playing in? How many machines have they sold?

How long have they been using client feedback to continuously improve the machine?

A lot of newer machines on the market try to imitate competitors that have been around longer, but the engineering acumen simply isn’t there.

For instance, Hefestus has the distinction of being around longer than any other pre-roll automation vendor (10+ years in pre-rolls and 30+ years in food packaging automation), and even amidst our growing collection of client success stories, we continue to improve and innovate.

#5) Test the Quality Yourself

If you’re going to drop a lot of money on pre-roll automation, why not take it for a test drive?

After all, industrial pre-roll machines are expensive, and the return on investment partially hinges on that machine’s performance.

Let’s say you’ve narrowed down your choices and you think you’ve identified the best pre-roll machine for you.

Obviously you want to book a live demo – even if it’s a virtual demo. Note that if the pre-roll automation supplier does not offer a live demo, it’s probably not a good sign!

And what about the quality of the actual joints coming out of the machine? Maybe any authentic reviews you’ve encountered are enough for you – or you might like to test things out for yourself.

If quality is important to you, you’ll want something rivals hand-rolled with amazing joint structure and optimized smokability.

A credible automation supplier will happily work with you to organize an in-person experience.