Tuesday TeaDay 9/22/09 criteria for purchase?

[Victoria]

I added the vendor, the vendor's description and leaf appearance.

In my cup currently '08 Boazhong - Tea Masters. Past its prime to be sure,
a little faded, but still a decent cuppa.

[brlarson]

Vendor is the most important factor for me, followed by origin/region, oxidation processing, harvest date, and of course TC recommendations.

I don't agree with Olivier about tea being an inexpensive drink. If you compare tea with other beverages that you prepare yourself, and if you like to drink good quality tea, then tea can be very pricey. I consider $150 per month to be a lot to spend on a beverage that I prepare myself, but that's where my budget is too. Filtering water at home is cheap, and brewing coffee at home and bringing it with you would probably cost $50 to $75 per month. FWIW, I do plan to reduce my tea budget, and with my current tea knowledge I should be able to cut my budget almost in half.

Leiche, some folks can't enjoy consuming things that cost too much because it goes against their idea of thrift. Twenty five years ago, when I had a Burgundy habit, I used to shop hard and buy the wines and then cellar them until the pain of paying for them finally diminished, then I could enjoy them.

B

[Geekgirl]

We are in the worst recession in 60 years. Price matters, unless you purchase to impress others, or are obsessive or wealthy.

I prefer not to judge where and why people spend their money by casting their choices in a such a phony or deprecatory light. I would imagine there are other reasons why price is not a significant factor, that extend beyond your dogmatic and disparaging statement.

[Chip]

Hagi Special Offer #4 arrived today. Woot, testing them and soaking right now. Still 3 available under Teaware.

[brlarson]

Hagi Special Offer #4 arrived today. Woot, testing them and soaking right now. Still 3 available under Teaware.

Mine arrived today too. Boy, the scent of soda (?) is surprisingly strong. Both of mine are soaking too, but I need to find a better place for them to soak overnight or my wife will skewer me:D

I've been drinking Ippodo Hosen all morning.

B

[JazzNGreenTea]

I have voted Price, vendor, origin/region, recommendations, and oxidation/processing...

I would have to say price is my number one factor. If it doesn't match my budget I am not even going to look at the tea too carefully. I'm more of a mid grade tea buyer because I don't know if my palate is ready for the nuances of the higher grade teas, and the prices are just something I'm not willing to pay at this time.

Every thing else I listed would be things to take note of when purchasing but are not very strict criteria. I am more willing to purchase if I've had a good experience with a vendor before, and if I see that others had a good experience with a particular tea or vendor.

[Chip]

Vendor, Processing, Harvest info, Packaging, Origin ... not in any order.

Began the TD with O-Cha' Hatsumi! SweeTea imbibed while Wulong and Pyrit just decided to hang out for hugs.

Off to the Sushi Bar for a late lunch!

[Trey Winston]

Vendor, recommendations on TC, origin, description on website (only if it includes customer reviews), and I forgot the fifth criterium I voted for. TeaChat recommendations are certainly the strongest guiding light.

Had another sample today, specifically the intensely exotic Black Dragon Pearls. I'm trying new teas at breakneck speed. If I keep this up, I'll be a tea connoisseur in twenty years or so.

[geeber1]

If I keep this up, I'll be a tea connoisseur in twenty years or so.

I am willing to pay a bit more if I know a vendor is reputable and sells good quality tea. How do I find the vendors? On TeaChat, of course!

My votes were for: Vendor, Price, TeaChat recommendations - not necessarily in that order.

Had some Japanese Black this morning before drinking 32 oz. of water for a medical procedure. No tea since then but I will change that when I get home!

[brad4419]

Price, harvest date and reputible dealer in that order. If somethings too expensive then forget it and if its old I wont buy it and then a reputable dealer where Im farely sure of the quality Im getting.

No tea today, with work and school now Im struggleing to find time for tea.

[gingkoseto]

Emm... no "discount" in the voting options. I am always easily tempted by discount, promotion, free shipping... in all kinds of shopping.

Also recommendations from TCers and many others. Discount and product discussion, they are like fertilizers for shopping incentive

I like to talk with sellers, and I like sellers who like talking with me

Price does matter to me. I have a price cap and seldom buy tea over that range (unless something very special happens). I believe there are already countless choices under my price cap.

[Chip]

Genmaicha at the sushi bar was followed by Zencha Fuga LE with DW.

A great TD.

Mine arrived today too. Boy, the scent of soda (?) is surprisingly strong. Both of mine are soaking too, but I need to find a better place for them to soak overnight or my wife will skewer me:D

Heh, I think there was a lot of Hagi soaking happening today. Soaked and now ready to enjoy tomorrow!

[depravitea]

Production method! Nice to know what type of tea your getting into