Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers for international buyers — from tea selection and ordering to payment, shipping, and building a long-term supply partnership.
Tea Selection & Knowledge
What types and categories of Chinese tea do you offer for wholesale export?
We export all six major categories of Chinese tea: Green Tea (Longjing, Biluochun, Gunpowder), White Tea (Silver Needle, White Peony), Oolong (Tie Guan Yin, Da Hong Pao), Black Tea (Keemun, Lapsang Souchong, Dianhong), Pu-erh (raw and ripe), and Jasmine / scented teas. Lots are grouped by grade and style — from competition-grade single-origin harvests to everyday grades for specialty retail and high-end foodservice.
How do you grade and classify your tea products? What does each grade level mean?
We use a transparent grading system aligned with Chinese national standards (GB/T) and adapted for international buyers. Grades range from Premium / Special Grade (hand-picked, single-bud or bud-and-one-leaf, limited yield) to Grade 1–3 (progressively larger leaves). Each grade's flavor profile, leaf appearance, and harvest notes are documented on our product sheets so you can match lots to your customers.
How should imported loose-leaf tea be stored at the destination warehouse to preserve freshness and quality?
For optimal freshness, loose-leaf tea should be stored in a cool (below 25°C / 77°F), dry (below 60% humidity), dark, and odor-free environment. Green and white teas are most sensitive and benefit from refrigerated storage (0-5°C). Pu-erh teas, conversely, require moderate airflow and should not be refrigerated. We ship in food-grade multi-layer aluminum foil bags with desiccant packets, packed in export cartons, to protect the tea in transit and at first warehousing.
Ordering Process & Lead Times
What is the typical process from initial inquiry to first shipment?
Our standard onboarding follows five steps: (1) Initial consultation — share your requirements via our contact form; (2) Sample dispatch — we send curated samples within 3–5 business days; (3) Sample approval and order confirmation — finalize lots, quantities, and shipping; (4) Quality inspection and export packing — typically 7 to 15 business days for in-stock lots; (5) Shipment and tracking — full documentation and real-time tracking provided. Most first orders ship within 3–4 weeks from confirmation.
How long does the sample evaluation process take, and is there a cost?
We typically dispatch sample sets within 3–5 business days of your request. Standard curated sample sets (3–5 teas) are complimentary for qualified B2B inquiries — you only cover the express shipping cost. Requests for specific grades or harvests may carry a nominal cost that is fully credited toward your first wholesale order. Sample orders start from 5 kg.
What is the typical lead time for loose-leaf tea orders?
In-stock lots typically ship within 7–10 business days after payment confirmation. Seasonal or made-to-order harvests take longer; we confirm the timeline when you place the order. First orders usually leave within 3–4 weeks of confirmation, including sampling. Tea is packed in food-grade multi-layer aluminum foil bags and export cartons. We send a production timeline at confirmation and updates at each milestone.
Payment, Pricing & Trade Terms
What payment methods and terms do you accept for international B2B orders?
We accept T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) bank wire as our standard method, with flexible deposit arrangements based on order size and relationship stage. For established partners, we offer favorable terms including payment against copy of B/L. We also support Letters of Credit (L/C) for large-volume orders. PayPal and Western Union are available for sample orders. All invoices are issued in USD.
What Incoterms do you work with, and which do you recommend for first-time buyers?
We support FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), CFR, and EXW. For first-time buyers, we recommend FOB China port — you control the freight forwarder and insurance, gaining full visibility over shipping costs. For buyers who prefer an all-inclusive, hassle-free price, CIF to your nearest port is ideal. Our logistics team will help you choose the best option based on your order size and destination.
How is your wholesale pricing structured? Are volume discounts available?
Our pricing is tiered based on tea category, grade, and order volume. We provide transparent FOB pricing per kilogram on our quotation sheets. Volume discounts apply automatically at defined thresholds — typically at 100 kg, 500 kg, and 1,000 kg+ breakpoints. Annual supply agreements with committed volumes unlock additional preferential pricing. We are always transparent about pricing; there are no hidden fees.
Shipping, Insurance & Customs
Do you provide cargo insurance for international shipments? What does it cover?
Yes. For CIF orders, marine cargo insurance is included in the quoted price, covering standard risks such as damage, loss, and contamination during transit. For FOB orders, we strongly recommend that buyers arrange their own All-Risk cargo insurance through their freight forwarder. We provide all necessary documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, and cargo photos) to support insurance claims if needed.
Can you help with destination-country customs clearance if our shipment encounters issues?
While customs clearance at the destination port is the buyer’s responsibility under standard Incoterms, our export team provides full remote support. We can supply supplementary documents, clarification letters, and lab reports on demand to help resolve customs queries. For key markets (USA, EU, UK, Australia), we maintain a network of recommended customs brokers and can make introductions to streamline the process.
How do you handle shipments to countries with unique import regulations, such as those in the Middle East, ASEAN, or Africa?
We have active export experience to 50+ countries. For each destination we prepare the export documents your broker typically needs — commercial invoice, packing list, and lab reports where relevant. Markets that require extra import checks, including pre-shipment inspection, receive a compliance checklist before the tea leaves. Tell us the destination and we will confirm what we can supply.
Long-term Partnership & Support
Can we visit your tea gardens, processing facilities, or office in China?
Yes. We welcome visits to partner tea gardens, processing workshops, quality labs, and our office. We help with itinerary planning, local transportation, hotel recommendations, and interpreter services. Many long-term partners began with an in-person visit. Contact us to schedule a trip.
Do you offer exclusive distribution rights or territory protection for long-term partners?
Yes, for committed partners who meet agreed annual volume thresholds, we offer exclusive distribution agreements for specific tea categories within defined territories. These agreements include priority access to limited-harvest teas and dedicated account management. Terms are negotiated case by case.
What ongoing support do you provide after the first order to help grow our tea business?
Our partnership extends well beyond the first shipment. Ongoing support includes: seasonal harvest previews and curated sample sets; product photography and English marketing copy for your retail channels; harvest and market notes; a dedicated account manager with response time under 12 hours; and priority packing during peak seasons. We treat every buyer as a long-term partner, not a one-time transaction.
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Questions About Quality & Compliance?
Our homepage FAQ covers supplier verification, food safety compliance, organic certification, packaging specifications, and return policies.
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