Tea is an interesting product because it is widely sold online and in physical stores. Whether you’re a lifelong tea enthusiast or tea drinker, or just getting started with the beverage, you may be wondering if it’s a better option to shop online or through local tea shops.

Here is a guide to help you decide which option works best for you.

Pros and cons of buying online

Buying tea online has the benefit of opening up a staggering amount of variety. Almost all tea companies have online stores, and with increased globalization, it is even possible to find companies that ship directly from tea-producing countries such as China or India. Buying online also opens up the possibility of buying the best quality artisanal loose leaf teas.

There are several drawbacks to online shopping. One is shipping; Fortunately, for tea this cost is usually relatively low, but can be considerable when you only want to order a small quantity. Online shopping is not suitable for a small or casual purchase of a single item; it only makes sense for bulk orders. When you ship overseas, where costs can run as high as $15 for a case of tea, you have to make an even larger purchase to make the balance worthwhile.

Another downside is that the staggering amount of variety can be intimidating. How do you know which company to buy from when there are literally hundreds to choose from? And many of these companies, in turn, have hundreds of teas in their catalogues.

Buying online is best when you want to buy a relatively large shipment of loose leaf tea, when you already have an idea of ​​what you’re looking for, when you’re price-conscious, and want the best and lowest quality. prices.

Pros and cons of buying a physical store

Local brick-and-mortar stores offer a very different kind of advantage over shopping online. One is sampling: you can see and often smell (and in some stores, even prepare and taste) the products you’re interested in, before you buy them. Face-to-face contact with staff, often the owner in very small businesses, can also be helpful, especially if the employees are well-informed. Local businesses can also impart a sense of community, so you’re not just buying tea, but also contributing to the local community in your city or town. And finally, if you live near a business, it’s easy to casually drop in for a quick, small purchase of a single item.

The biggest disadvantage of local stores is the lack of availability. Many people in the US don’t live near any stores that sell good loose leaf tea. Some stores may have a good selection, but not the best quality or freshness of their teas. Other tea shops may be good, but they don’t cover the type of product you’re looking for (British tea culture and Japanese tea culture, for example, may not overlap).

So what makes sense to me?

My quick answer would be: it depends. It depends on what you’re looking for, and it depends on where you live and what kinds of businesses are near you. Buying online is best for loose tea, the best quality, getting the best deals, and making great purchases. Shopping local is best for supporting your local community, having face-to-face interactions, getting a closer look at the product you’re buying, and making small, casual purchases.