New Tea Retail....getting there

The last time I posted I had asked for some tea retail shop name ideas. I am finally in the “getting the capital” stages of getting the little shop up and running! Just some questions for you all… my shop will be small, about 10×20, retail only, how many teas should I have available? I have contacted a supplier and they offer a 24 tea start-up. After looking at some shops online, that number is quite small… my small town has around 12k people, and many have no idea what loose tea is. I will also offer tea parties for children and special events and groups. How many teas to inventory? What type should be more available? Thanks so much for your help. I am so excited to get this going and I pray the bank will be positive and the public will keep me alive! I am a middle school teacher looking for something on the side to call my own. I am so set on tea and its health benefits. :) Looking forward to hearing from this group! Thanks!

10 Replies
Lala said

That is a hard question to answer. You almost need some market research to know what is going to work in your area. Otherwise it is just trial and error. I would think if you are leaning towards this “tea start-up” then the 24 teas is probably a good place to start. You can see what sells and what doesn’t. I would suggest to have mix of flavoured and unflavoured teas, as well as a mix of different types of teas, ie. black, green, white, etc. Once you can determine what the people in your area want, then you can start specializing and increasing inventory. That is how I would do it anyway.

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keychange said

I would echo pretty much everything lala suggested. And I don’t have anything more useful to add, but wanted to wish you luck and success.

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Do you have a farmer’s market in your area? You can use it to do great research by speaking with people and asking what they like. Also, a farmer’s market can be a great way to get in front of a lot of folks by setting up a table there and selling some. You may even be able to get some samples, i.e. a few pounds of a few different teas is not that expensive and see what people like.

Just my 2 pennies.

ElevateTea said

I just read your comment about selling at a local farmer’s market, I recently had the same idea, but in Canada, our farmer’s markets state that you can’t be a reseller, you have to “make, bake, create or grow” your items. Do you have the same restrictions where you are, and if so, how were you able to get permission to sell at the market?

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I’m afraid I can’t offer any suggestions about the number of teas, I agree with everyone else that a little market research is in order. My advice would be to make sure that you carry something that is specific to the season. I’ve always been fond of spiced teas in the fall, peppermint and gingerbread for Christmas, fruit teas in the summer and Earl Grey for a cold, rainy day. By rotating your selection with the season you’ll keep your customers coming back just to see what is new and special.

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sansnipple said

Instead of just buying a pre-built package from a wholesaler, you should really taste and curate the teas to sell yourself. Tea selection should be something you put a lot more thought into than just using some supplier’s starter set, otherwise you’re not providing any added value at all. Sample much more widely from multiple sources and cherry-pick your favorites to trial in the store. Expert curation of your collection is one of the best ways to add value for your customers.

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Nicole said

Echo the market research. For me, when doing my tea parties, it has seemed easier to get people “into” tea by using flavored teas as introductory points but your area may be different.

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mrmopar said

Good luck! If you ever delve into puerh tea I know some good brands and suppliers and would be glad to help in this category.

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Thank you all for the advice! And puehr is one on my favorite list ! Love your idea short sorceress about seasonal blends. The market in my area is the seasonal blends but the patrons have little knowledge in this area. I am new to it myself but feel passionate toward the Health benefits of tea. Again, thank you for your input.

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Tea At Sea said

Congrats on starting your new business. If you are interested in adding our tea to your shop. Send me a pm or email [email protected]

http://www.tea-at-sea.com

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