How to Start Your Own Custom Cone Line: Complete Business Guide

The pre-rolled cone market has exploded alongside cannabis legalization, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and established brands alike. Whether you're a dispensary owner, cannabis brand, or startup looking to enter the market, launching a custom cone line can be a profitable venture. Here's your complete guide to getting started.

Why Start a Cone Business?

Market Opportunity

The numbers tell a compelling story:

• Pre-roll sales have grown over 30% annually in legal markets
• Many consumers prefer convenience over rolling their own
• Dispensaries need reliable cone suppliers
• White-label and private-label demand is increasing

Low Barrier to Entry

Compared to other cannabis-adjacent businesses:

• No cannabis license required for cone sales
• Lower startup costs than cultivation or processing
• Established manufacturers like MunchMakers handle production
• Focus on marketing and distribution rather than manufacturing

Recurring Revenue Model

Once established, cone businesses enjoy:

• Repeat orders from dispensaries
• Consumable product means ongoing demand
• Relationship-based B2B sales
• Expansion opportunities into related products

Understanding the Cone Market

Who Buys Custom Cones?

Dispensaries

• Need cones for in-house pre-roll production
• Prefer branded cones for professional presentation
• Order in bulk for cost efficiency
• Value consistent quality and reliable supply

Cannabis Brands

• Create branded pre-rolls as a product line
• Use custom cones for brand differentiation
• Need various sizes for different products
• Require custom packaging and printing

Pre-Roll Manufacturers

• Produce pre-rolls for multiple dispensaries
• Need massive quantities of consistent cones
• Prioritize quality and machine compatibility
• Often order multiple sizes simultaneously

Head Shops and Smoke Shops

• Sell retail packs to consumers
• Want eye-catching branding
• Need competitive wholesale pricing
• Prefer established or trendy brands

Types of Cones to Offer

A comprehensive cone line includes:

By Size

• 70mm (Small/Personal)
• 84mm (Standard 1 1/4)
• 98mm (Standard King)
• 109mm (King Size)
• 180mm (Party/Large format)

By Material

• Hemp (most popular in cannabis market)
• Rice (premium, slow burn)
• Organic options (certified preferred)
• Unbleached (health-conscious appeal)

By Pack Configuration

• Singles (premium retail)
• 3-packs (standard retail)
• 6-packs (value retail)
• 50-100 count boxes (dispensary production)
• Bulk (1000+ for manufacturers)

Developing Your Business Plan

Define Your Niche

Questions to Answer

• Who is your primary customer?
• What makes your cones different?
• What price point will you target?
• What geographic area will you serve?

Positioning Options

• Premium quality focus
• Value/budget positioning
• Eco-friendly/sustainable brand
• Regional or local identity
• Lifestyle brand extension

Calculate Your Costs

Fixed Costs

• Business registration and licenses
• Website and branding
• Initial inventory
• Marketing materials
• Storage space

Variable Costs

• Cone production (per unit)
• Packaging
• Shipping
• Sales commissions
• Marketing spend

Sample Cost Structure

| Item | Cost Range | |------|------------| | 1000 custom cones | $50-150 | | Custom packaging | $0.10-0.50/unit | | Shipping (wholesale) | $5-20/box | | Marketing | Variable |

Set Pricing Strategy

Wholesale Pricing

• Calculate cost per cone including packaging
• Add margin (typically 30-50% for wholesale)
• Consider volume discounts
• Research competitor pricing

Retail Pricing (if applicable)

• Standard 2-3x markup from wholesale
• Factor in retailer margins
• Compare to existing market prices

Creating Your Product Line

Working with a Manufacturer

MunchMakers and other manufacturers offer:

Product Options

• Various cone sizes and materials
• Custom paper printing
• Branded cone tubes and boxes
• Pre-rolled cones in multiple configurations

Minimum Orders

• Start with smaller quantities to test
• Scale up as demand grows
• Negotiate better pricing at volume

Designing Your Brand

Visual Identity

• Logo design that works on small surfaces
• Color palette suitable for paper printing
• Consistent look across sizes and packaging

Brand Story

• What does your brand stand for?
• Why should customers choose you?
• How do you communicate values?

Packaging Considerations

Cone Tubes

• Individual or multi-pack tubes
• Custom printing options
• Child-resistant options for retail

Boxes and Displays

• Retail counter displays
• Bulk shipping boxes
• Point-of-sale materials

Production and Quality Control

Sample Testing

Before committing to large orders:

1. Request samples from your manufacturer
2. Test burn rate and consistency
3. Check structural integrity (no tears, proper cone shape)
4. Verify print quality on papers and packaging
5. Confirm material matches specifications

Quality Standards

What to Verify

• Consistent cone dimensions
• Even paper thickness
• Properly applied glue strip
• Clean, professional printing
• Intact filter tips

Testing Protocol

• Sample from each batch
• Document any issues
• Maintain quality records
• Address problems immediately

Sales and Distribution Strategy

Direct Sales Approach

Identify Prospects

• List dispensaries in your target area
• Research pre-roll producers
• Connect with head shop buyers
• Attend industry trade shows

Sales Process

1. Initial outreach with product information
2. Provide samples for testing
3. Follow up for feedback
4. Present pricing and terms
5. Close with initial order
6. Service account for reorders

Building a Distribution Network

Distribution Options

• Direct sales to end customers
• Partner with existing distributors
• Hybrid approach by region

Key Relationships

• Dispensary purchasing managers
• Pre-roll production managers
• Distributor buyers
• Industry influencers

Online Sales

E-commerce Considerations

• Build a professional website
• Implement wholesale ordering
• Offer bulk pricing tiers
• Enable easy reordering

Marketing Your Cone Line

Trade Shows and Events

Benefits

• Meet buyers face-to-face
• Demonstrate product quality
• Build industry relationships
• Learn market trends

Preparation

• Professional booth display
• Sample inventory
• Marketing materials
• Order forms

Digital Marketing

Social Media

• Instagram for visual content
• LinkedIn for B2B connections
• Industry forums and groups

Content Marketing

• Educational blog posts
• Product comparison guides
• Industry news commentary

Relationship Marketing

Customer Retention

• Excellent service builds loyalty
• Responsive communication
• Consistent quality
• Flexible terms for good customers

Expanding Your Product Line

Once established with cones, consider adding:

Rolling Paper Sheets

• Natural extension of cone business
• Same customer base
• Complementary products

Filter Tips

• Low cost to add
• Often purchased with cones
• Easy cross-sell opportunity

Multi-Function Booklets

• Higher margin products
• Appeal to retail customers
• Brand extension opportunity

Accessories

• Cone filling machines
• Storage solutions
• Rolling trays

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Price Competition

Solution

• Differentiate on quality and service
• Build relationships beyond price
• Offer value-added services
• Target premium market segments

Challenge: Quality Inconsistency

Solution

• Work with reputable manufacturers
• Implement quality control processes
• Address issues immediately
• Maintain backup suppliers

Challenge: Building Initial Sales

Solution

• Start with local relationships
• Offer competitive trial pricing
• Provide exceptional samples
• Be persistent in follow-up

Getting Started Today

Ready to launch your custom cone line? Here's your action plan:

Step 1: Research and Planning

• Define your target market
• Calculate startup costs
• Develop business plan

Step 2: Product Development

• Request a mockup for your designs
• Order samples for testing
• Finalize product specifications

Step 3: Brand Creation

• Design logo and visual identity
• Create packaging designs
• Develop marketing materials

Step 4: Initial Production

• Place first order with manufacturer
• Verify quality on receipt
• Prepare for sales launch

Step 5: Go to Market

• Begin sales outreach
• Distribute samples
• Take first orders
• Fulfill and service accounts

Partner with MunchMakers

MunchMakers helps brands launch successful cone lines with:

• Low minimums: Start small, scale with demand
• Custom printing: Full branding capabilities
• Quality materials: Premium hemp and rice options
• Fast turnaround: Quick production times
• Expert support: Guidance through the process

Contact us to discuss your custom cone line today.