Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about sourcing, ordering, and working with Zi Chun Tea.
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Ordering & Wholesale
We supply specialty loose leaf tea to tea shops, specialty retailers, hospitality venues, distributors and wholesale partners worldwide.
Our focus is directly sourced teas selected through long-standing relationships with tea gardens and tea makers across Asia.
You can apply for a wholesale account by completing our online form.
Once submitted, we’ll review your details and get in touch to understand your needs.
The minimum order is 1kg per tea variety, with a total minimum of 3kg per order from a single origin (country).
You can mix different tea varieties within the same country to meet this minimum.
Yes, we offer samples so you can assess quality and suitability before committing to a larger order.
You can request up to 10 samples per origin, with a flat shipping cost of USD $35 per origin. This cost is fully refunded with your first order.
Additional samples can be provided with ongoing orders. Please note that some conditions may apply for high-value teas.
Orders can be placed through your wholesale account on our website.
Once submitted, we’ll review availability and confirm your order before processing and dispatch.
Yes, we offer automatic discounts based on order volume per origin:
- 10% off for orders of 20kg or more
- 20% off for orders of 100kg or more
Accounts & Payment
Yes, a wholesale account is required to place orders.
This allows us to confirm your business details, provide appropriate pricing, and manage your orders efficiently.
You can apply for a wholesale account through our online form.
Once submitted, we’ll review your details and get in touch to complete the setup.
We accept bank transfer and other payment methods depending on your location.
Available options will be confirmed when your order is processed.
Payment is arranged after your order has been reviewed and confirmed.
Once details such as availability and shipping are finalised, we’ll issue an invoice for payment.
Yes, all orders are issued with an invoice outlining your order details and payment instructions.
This is provided once your order has been confirmed.
Returns & Support
If there’s any issue with your order, please get in touch and we’ll work with you to resolve it as quickly as possible.
We aim to ensure all orders arrive in the expected condition and meet your requirements.
Due to the nature of our products, we generally do not accept returns.
However, if there is an issue with quality, such as a significant difference from a sample or previous order, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order. We’ll review the situation and work with you on a suitable resolution, which may include a refund or adjustment.
Please note that returns or refunds are not offered for changes in personal taste, and some natural variation in flavour can occur between harvests.
You can contact us via our contact page or email, and we’ll be happy to assist.
We’re here to help with orders, product questions, or any issues you may have.
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 1–2 business days.
If your request is urgent, please let us know and we’ll do our best to prioritise it.
Shipping & Delivery
Orders are shipped directly from tea gardens across China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and India, allowing access to a wider range of freshly sourced specialty teas.
Shipping arrangements vary depending on the teas selected and destination requirements.
We deliver across North America, Europe, Australia, Asia Pacific, and most other regions worldwide.
If you’re unsure whether we can deliver to your location, please get in touch.
Delivery times vary depending on the shipping method, origin, and destination of your order.
Express courier services such as DHL, EMS, UPS and FedEx are commonly used, with typical transit times of approximately 3–7 business days. Other shipping methods may be available depending on the destination and order requirements.
Orders are typically dispatched within 7 days once they have been confirmed, and payment has been received.
We’ll confirm dispatch timing as part of your order confirmation.
We do not mark up shipping costs. Rates are based on current carrier pricing (such as EMS and DHL), depending on the origin, order size, and delivery location.
In some cases, more economical shipping options may be available. As a general guide, larger orders tend to reduce the overall cost per kg, as shipping becomes more efficient with volume.
Yes, express shipping is available and is commonly used for orders under 100kg.
We compare available courier services, such as DHL and EMS, to select the most economical option for your order. In some cases, customers may also choose to use their own courier accounts.
Tracking is available for most shipments.
We’ll provide tracking details once your order has been dispatched, where applicable.
Packaging & Formats
We offer a range of packaging formats depending on the tea type and order requirements.
Standard packaging is typically available in 500g or 1kg sizes, depending on the tea.
Standard packaging sizes are generally 500g (1.1lb) or 1kg (2.2lb), depending on the tea type.
Smaller custom packaging options may also be available, including 50g and 100g packs.
Custom packaging options may be available depending on the product and order requirements.
Smaller custom-packed formats, including 50g and 100g packs, can be arranged for an additional packing fee of USD $1.00-$1.50 per bag. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Working With Us
We focus on sourcing exceptional quality teas directly from origin, offering an alternative to the large-scale tea distribution model commonly used within the industry.
Our teas are sourced from key tea growing regions including Taiwan, China, India, Thailand, and Japan, with a strong emphasis on freshness, quality, and direct relationships with tea gardens.
By working closely with tea growers and shipping directly from origin, we’re able to provide access to distinctive teas with shorter lead times from harvest to cup.
We work with tea shops, specialty retailers, hospitality venues, distributors and wholesale partners seeking thoughtfully sourced specialty teas with a strong focus on quality, provenance and freshness.
Many of our customers are small to medium-sized businesses looking for a more direct and transparent sourcing approach through long-standing relationships with tea gardens across Asia.
We also support businesses importing directly from tea-growing regions for the first time, helping simplify the sourcing and wholesale process. Whether you’re building a tea program from the ground up or refining an existing tea selection, we’re happy to help guide you toward teas suited to your business and customers.
Yes, we can help recommend teas based on your business, customers, and service style.
We aim to make the selection process practical and approachable, whether you’re looking for a focused tea menu or a broader range.
Yes, we value long-term relationships and aim to provide ongoing support as your tea offering evolves.
We’re always happy to assist with product questions, recommendations, and future orders.
Sourcing & Quality
Our teas are sourced directly from key tea growing regions including Taiwan, China, India, Thailand, and Japan.
We work closely with tea growers and tea makers to source teas with a strong focus on quality, freshness, and character.
For us, direct trade means working closely with tea growers and tea makers at origin, rather than relying solely on large-scale intermediary supply chains.
This approach allows us to offer fresher teas, greater transparency, and closer relationships with the people producing them.
We select tea gardens and tea makers based on tea quality, craftsmanship, provenance and long-term sourcing relationships.
Our teams on the ground work closely with tea gardens across each region to identify teas that reflect the character, harvest conditions and traditions of their origin.
Yes, tea is a seasonal agricultural product, and harvest conditions can influence flavour, aroma, and overall character.
For many green teas and oolong teas, spring harvests are often considered the highest grade, although exceptional winter and autumn harvests can also produce excellent teas.
We closely monitor seasonal harvests and regularly assess tea quality to help ensure our customers receive the freshest and best available teas at any given time.
We work closely with producers and regularly review harvests and tea selections to maintain quality standards.
At the same time, we recognise that tea is a natural agricultural product, and some seasonal variation is part of what gives each harvest its unique character.
Farming & Processing
Many of the tea gardens we work with are certified organic, while others follow organic or low-intervention farming practices without formal certification.
We also source teas from gardens that meet strict pesticide standards, including teas compliant with EU pesticide requirements. Organic teas are generally identified by “Organic” in the tea name, while EU-compliant teas may include “EU” within the item code.
Our focus is always on tea quality, responsible cultivation practices and long-term sourcing relationships.
Farming practices vary between regions and producers, reflecting local growing conditions, traditions, and tea styles.
We work closely with growers who place strong emphasis on cultivation quality, careful harvesting, and traditional production methods.
Tea processing methods vary depending on the tea style and origin.
Factors such as oxidation, roasting, rolling, drying, and harvesting methods all contribute to the final character and flavour of the tea.
We value long-term relationships with tea growers and producers who focus on quality, responsible cultivation, and sustainable farming practices.
By sourcing directly from origin and shipping teas close to harvest, we also help reduce unnecessary storage time and maintain freshness throughout the supply chain.
Brewing & Storage
Brewing recommendations can vary depending on the tea type, origin, and style.
Tea should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, strong odours, and air exposure.
Proper storage helps preserve freshness, aroma, and flavour over time.
Shelf life can vary depending on the tea type and storage conditions.
For the best flavour and freshness, we recommend consuming teas within a reasonable period after opening and storing them correctly.
Yes, many of our teas are well suited to iced tea preparation.
Different tea styles can produce a wide range of flavour profiles, from light and refreshing to richer and more aromatic blends.
Yes, our teas can be used in a variety of applications including hospitality, beverages, desserts, and food preparation.
We’re happy to recommend suitable teas based on your intended use.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help. Get in touch and we’ll guide you through sourcing, ordering, or selecting the right teas for your business.
