FAQs
Welcome to the minteashop FAQ! We know that buying premium tea online—especially directly from the source—is a journey of discovery. We’ve put together this guide to answer your most common questions, so you can shop with confidence and brew with joy.
If you don’t see your question answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team!
Our Teas & Sourcing
All of our premium loose-leaf teas—including our delicate Silver Needle and Shou Mei White teas, rich Black teas, and complex Rock Oolongs—are sourced directly from high-altitude tea gardens in Fujian, China. By partnering directly with local artisans in the birthplace of these incredible teas, we ensure that you receive authentic, origin-specific leaves that represent the true terroir of Fujian.
Absolutely. Quality and health are our top priorities. All of our teas are meticulously hand-picked and grown using traditional, pesticide-free farming methods. We strictly adhere to international food safety standards, so you can feel completely confident and safe with every sip you take.
Tea is a beautiful, natural agricultural product, much like fine wine! Because our teas are grown in natural mountain environments, slight variations in weather, rainfall, and harvest times will naturally influence the final flavor profile. These subtle “batch variations” are perfectly normal and are actually a hallmark of authentic, artisanal tea that hasn’t been artificially standardized in a factory.
Shipping & Delivery
To guarantee maximum freshness, your order is packed and shipped directly from our sourcing facility in Fujian, China, straight to your doorstep. Because we bypass overseas warehouses to bring you tea straight from the source, standard international delivery typically takes 7 to 15 business days. We promise the incredibly fresh, vibrant flavors are well worth the short wait!
We are thrilled to offer free standard shipping on all orders over $99. For orders under $99, a flat shipping rate($9.9) will be calculated at checkout based on your exact location in North America or Europe.
Because your tea is shipped internationally, your package may be subject to import taxes, customs duties, or VAT once it arrives in your destination country (this is especially relevant for our customers in the UK and EU). Please note that these charges are determined by your local customs office and are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We recommend checking with your local postal service for their specific import rules.
Brewing & Storage
To preserve the delicate essential oils and vibrant aromas of your tea, keep it in a cool, dark, and strictly dry place. It is vital to store tea away from direct sunlight, moisture, and any strong odors (like a spice cabinet or coffee beans), as tea leaves easily absorb smells from their environment. We highly recommend keeping them sealed tightly in their original minteashop packaging or a dedicated airtight tea tin.
While true tea doesn’t “spoil” like fresh food, it can lose its aromatic potency over time if not stored properly. Green and lighter Oolong teas are best enjoyed within a year of purchase. However, some of our teas, like our aged Shou Mei White tea, actually develop deeper, sweeter, and more complex flavor profiles as they age!
Returns & Orders
Your safety and satisfaction are incredibly important to us. Because our premium tea is a consumable food product, we operate under strict health and safety guidelines. We offer a 14-day return window from the date of delivery. However, we can strictly only accept returns for items that are completely unopened and in their original, sealed packaging.
Because we cannot safely restock or resell opened food products, we unfortunately cannot accept returns on opened teas based on personal taste preferences. If you are trying a new type of Rock Oolong or White tea for the first time, we recommend exploring our tasting notes and brewing guides carefully before purchasing!