B2B Tea Sourcing: A Buyer's Checklist

Sourcing tea from China can be highly rewarding when done right. Here is a practical checklist for international buyers.

1. Define Your Requirements

Know your target market, preferred tea types, quality grades, volume, and budget before reaching out to suppliers.

2. Verify Supplier Credentials

Check for business licenses, export qualifications, food safety certifications (ISO, HACCP), and client references.

3. Request Samples

Always request representative samples before committing to bulk orders. Evaluate taste, aroma, appearance, and packaging.

4. Understand Pricing

Tea pricing depends on harvest season, grade, origin, and processing method. Compare multiple suppliers and understand what's included (FOB vs CIF).