Frequently asked questions
What kind of subscription is this?
This is an annual or 6-month tea subscription. The annual plan includes four shipments per year, and the 6-month plan includes two—one per quarter. Each shipment is personally curated to help you systematically explore different tea categories and styles.
Subscribers automatically become CTA Club members, with access to exclusive discounts on our full product line.
How much tea will I receive each time?
Approximately 100g per shipment.
How are the tea samples structured?
Each quarter I curate three sets (A/B/C). You receive two sets (100g total).
• Each set typically contains 3–4 teas (50g)
• Each shipment includes 6–8 different teas
• Default shipment is A + B
Can I customize or swap the selections?
Yes.
During the confirmation period before shipping, you may freely adjust your selection, including switching to Set C or choosing two identical sets.
When will my order ship?
Shipping will take place approximately one week after the quarterly tea sample announcement. This allows sufficient time for subscribers to review the selections and confirm or make adjustments before dispatch.
Which carriers do you use?
Orders are shipped via USPS or UPS by default, depending on destination and package size.
What if my package is lost or damaged?
If a package is confirmed lost in transit, I will resend the same set at no additional cost.
Do you accept returns or refunds?
Because tea is a food product, sets cannot be returned once shipped. However, if you are not satisfied with the samples, you may cancel your subscription at any time. Any unused portion of your subscription will be refunded.
Will subscription teas overlap with products sold on the website?
Possibly.
The curation logic does not intentionally avoid overlap; overall balance and tasting experience take priority.
Is one-time purchase available?
No.
This program is currently available only as a 6-month or annual subscription.
Will subscription teas overlap with products sold on the website?
Possibly.
The curation logic does not intentionally avoid overlap; overall balance and tasting experience take priority.
Can this be purchased as a gift?
Yes.
Simply fill in the recipient’s information at checkout. If it is a gift, feel free to leave a note—I can assist with packaging or include additional explanations.
Can I repurchase teas from a past subscription shipment?
Yes, but only for CTA Club members.
Who Is This Subscription For?
This program is ideal if you want to:
• Systematically explore high-quality teas at a lower overall cost
• Taste and compare multiple premium teas in one cycle
• Find a balance between personal choice and professional curation
Will I receive information regarding each tea?
Yes, I will include a detailed description and brewing instructions. In addition, I will include my personal reasons for selecting each tea. This is a unique opportunity to share learn and value premium tea through a structured learning experience.
Why Does Each Set Include 3–4 Teas?
I intentionally limit each set to 3–4 teas instead of one large portion, for four reasons:
1. Comprehensive coverage of tea categories
Each shipment includes 6–8 teas spanning the six major Chinese tea categories (green, white, yellow, oolong, black, dark), and floral teas.
2. Each tea is a true representative of its category
Either highly representative in terms of raw material, craftsmanship, or style, or rarely seen on the market—sometimes even regarded as a peak or benchmark example of its tea category.
The goal is not horizontal comparison, but to let you experience what this category of tea should truly taste like.
3. A complete tasting experience
Each tea sample guarantees at least two full brewing sessions, allowing you to experience structure and evolution.
4. Reduced exploration cost
Within approximately 100g per quarter, you experience 6–8 highly refined teas—without committing to full-size purchases for each one.
Why Is the Subscription More Cost-Effective?
• Experience 6–8 different teas per shipment
• Includes teas not yet released or unavailable for individual purchase
• Avoid repeated purchases of full-size products
• Systematically explore multiple tea styles with a limited total quantity
Does the subscription auto-renew?
No. Subscriptions end automatically at the end of the selected term and do not auto-renew.
Can I subscribe later?
Yes. You can start or add a six-month (two shipments) or one-year (four shipments) subscription at any time.