At times, shopping for tea can be overwhelming, as buyers can explore the multiple options for the six different types—white, green, yellow, oolong, black, or dark—and numerous blends consisting of countless combinations of loose-leaf teas and extra ingredients. “I think if you went to our [online] shop, where we have 300 to 400 kinds of teas, it might be overwhelming,” Charlie Ritchie, co-owner of Tea Runners, admits. While it is a blessing to have access to such a vast variety of teas, a subscription dedicated to the beloved drink can remove the stress of finding the right tea for newly inducted sippers as well as seasoned ones. With each delivery, they will be able to enjoy a delicious, unfamiliar brew when they receive enrollment in a tea subscription that can be tailored to meet each drinker’s preferences and specifications.
“A subscription provides convenience while removing the hassle of shopping in-person or online,” Atlas Tea Club co-founder Kelly Dove remarks. In lieu of immersing into the hectic throngs of shopping centers or stores or scrolling endlessly through a tea company’s website to peruse numerous options, subscription services can also save precious time during the holiday rush.
At first glance, there may appear to be many similarities among the various subscription services available. However, each brand has unique aspects that are meant to cater to certain clientele. “When deciding on what company to support, one may want to look at value, how involved the company is from source to cup, the ethos of the brand, and, of course, whether or not they produce great tea,” Steve Schwartz, founder and CEO of Art of Tea, comments. In addition, factors like caffeine content, preference for single origin or blends, frequency, and cost are additional considerations for consumers. “Subscription services create a way to send a recurring gift to a loved one while allowing the curator to select the program that fits the dynamics of the individual,” Steve adds.
