My experience at Teavana.

[djentropy]

Feel your pain - January is usually a pretty rough month. Instead of getting upset about it, just do the best you can and enjoy your job as best you can. You'll sell more

Best of luck to you.

Wow!

I currently work at a Teavana. And, while my experience hasn't nearly been as hellish as yours, it is none too pretty. All these regulars come in, claiming their love of tea, and how awesome of a job I have. In reality, I feel like stabbing my eyes out with a Perfect Tea Spoon and serving it up as Strawberry Misaki (a new blooming tea).

And the post is as true as daylight. The sales goals are ridiculous. The sales process is less ethical than a seedy used car lot. District Managers can be such a pain in the ass, claiming that if we did our sales process 100% of the time there would be no excuse NOT to reach our store sales goal, which could be a measly $2,500, but when the ENTIRE mall is dead and no one is shopping, can be hard. But no, we are expected to man that f**king sample cart, and entice people into our store, just so they can buy an overpriced cast iron tea pot (a large one, not a small one), a warmer, 5 coasters and 5 cups AND two trays (sushi tray and handled tray) with a bamboo mat to top it off.

I absolutely HATE Teavana and I envy you for having the courage to leave.
Cheers to you! And for you, next time I work I will drop a few ounces of Monkey Picked Oolong on the floor in your honor!


PS: Said District Manager from above couldn't sell a cast iron pot at my location. She admits it herself.

[trelane]

ZOMG another first time poster in what is apparently (I read the whole 19 pages) THREAD OF DOOM!

Now that we're past that, I'm a real person I think... I just checked in the mirror and as I have a reflection I'm going with yes for now.

I don't think Teavana's teas are particularly worse than other loose teas, there are some that are better, and some that are worse. They're really around average.

I've not run into these sales tactics in my Teavana (which I applied to work at yesterday), perhaps because it is in the most expensive mall in the highest per-capita income county in the midwest. I also have not had an issue having them make me a tea when I walk in the door.

I personally have bought quite a bit of tea at Teavana, and yes even some of the much maligned tins (poor tins never did nothin to nobody!). I got my cast iron pot on sale at Teavana, and have a perfect tea maker as well (Which has gotten so much use that the plastic is picking up a rather silver needle color), and 2 of those spoons (as I always seem to misplace one).

I do have a background in commissioned sales, electronics, and I know the pitch, I've used the pitch, and I recognize the pitch, I also haven't seen it at this Teavana, it's also the only one I've been to.

We'll see what my particular experience is, though I'm looking for the job as a hobby. I own a small company and a bit of retail is the cure for sitting at a desk all day (yes, yes, I know, but I found that there was no amount of antioxident-rich tea that made me sane! (please enjoy the humor, it's free)). Anyway I'll try to keep updating as I go through this process.

For what it's worth, and my condolences to those not in my situation, I don't require this job to keep a roof over my head. If it's as bad as you say for you, that sucks, and I definitely feel for you, but I've got one of those type-A personalities not so common amongst tea people, a company, and an expectation that I will always get what I want, so we'll see how it goes, and I'm more than willing to tell them to pound sand.

For what it's worth if I run into the previously mentioned trainer the explosion might well be seen from space.

[LauraW]

I've got one of those type-A personalities not so common amongst tea people, a company, and an expectation that I will always get what I want, so we'll see how it goes, and I'm more than willing to tell them to pound sand.

For what it's worth if I run into the previously mentioned trainer the explosion might well be seen from space.

Please have someone following you with a video camera. If you get hired, that is.
This ought to be quite entertaining! Especially sand-pounding and explosions. I don't know anyone who doesn't like a good explosion.

[wicklineco]

I spent almost $400 there in the past 3 months to buy better beverages for my family. I asked if there was anything in the teas other than what the store canisters listed and was told no. I emailed company to ask if they have anything artificial in their teas along with gluten, corn, and soy. They told me that their teas were natural and had no such items and was referred to their website for exact ingredient listings. I placed a large order online shortly after. When the teas arrived, I noticed that most of them had different ingredients than what the website listed. I called the company and was told that the labels were accurate and the website must be wrong. When I asked about the maltodextrin and flavoring ingredients, I was told that the flavorings were flavor identicals, which means that they are a synthetic copy of natural flavorings, but not actually natural flavorings. So they have artificial chemicals and corn in their tea. Also found that some teas ingredients were totally off. One listed green and red rooibos when it only had red. One listed papaya pieces when it had papaya and pinapple. What if one is severely allergic to pinappple? What about the many who cannot have corn? I was lied to. And they are slow in fixing the problem. They just want to say sorry and have me return the online order. It's been 2 weeks since I first contacted them and they promised the manager for the store I purchased from would contact me to tell me what I could do with the teas I bought in store. They still blame the website for the errors, but the tea tins in store don't list proper ingredients either. Customer service advised me after my complaint to avoid all teas other than plain ones, but how does that help others? Many of the herbals appear to be flavored by fruits and spices, but they are telling me I can't have any of those either. So I am thinking that they must add flavorings to those too. (some of my labels from my online order indicate that as well) So I have wasted a lot of time and money and don't know how much of my money I will get back. Does explain the tummy problems. I am so disappointed. They could flavor the teas naturally. They certainly charge enough to cover the costs. I think they have delightful combos of tea flavors and the store is neat to visit, but I have to recommend against purchasing from this company. They don't seem very honest. It is not difficult to properly label your teas, and I believe it is required by law. If they don't fix my problem soon, in a way that makes me feel this tea is safe for the public, I might even contact the news, or report them to the proper authority as to avoid some serious illness or death due to unsuspecting persons consuming it. Very sad. I remain hopeful that they will do the right thing.

[Chip]

Do you have specific food allergies?

Most companies will err on the side of safety and indicate that their food may have been processed in a factory that also processes peanuts for example.

Considering the phony sales pitches, it does not surprise me that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing.
--------------------------------
Supported the evil empire today and came away with some very nice washi canisters ... about the only thing I would ever consider buying there.

However when paying, listening to the one salesperson offering the same ole same ole to a complete newbie. I happened to watch as the salesperson was about to weigh a whopping half pound of tea (tried to sell the guy tea by the pound ), he put a big tin (add on sale) on the scale and did not tare the scale.

I am mad I did not say anything at the time ... he did this for two teas.

[Schrammy]

If they say something is GF and it turns out it is not, you have a pretty nice case against Teavana. I pulled it with one company that said one product was GF, but it had trace elements of malt.

[wicklineco]

I have to say.. after posting a link to this site and making comments on FB, oh, and LOTS of time on the phone and email with customer service (I had to persist) I was given the opportunity so speak with someone who could help me with the mislabeled tea problem. He took a long time to explain the measures they use to ensure that they have the cleanest, safest, quality teas (they follow European standards which are superior to what the FDA requires) Was also told that it was a really stupid mistake and they are working to fix it. I won't put everything discussed over the phone in this post, (for the sake of time) but I will say that my case was finally handled, and they went out of their way to reassure me and fix the problem. I thought I would never buy their teas again or recommend them to anyone, but I have sincerely reconsidered. Being but one customer of many, they could have completely ignored me. Instead, they went well out of their way to right things, and compensate me for all of my time that was wasted trying to get proper information on ingredients. I would be cautious if you have food allergies for awhile longer, until they finish getting things properly re-labeled, but my faith in the company has been fully restored. I do sincerely hope that they read some of the other complaints on this forum ( I sent them a link because they should know what people are saying and try to improve if they care) and continue to make changes in regards to customer service. But after the way I was treated today, if they are aware of the problems, I believe that they will do what they can to change. I will keep everyone posted as to the how the rest of it goes.

[Filmmaker]

Very interesting information about Teavana. I found this site via a Google search, as I was looking for some of the company officers of Teavana. Read the first post, and a couple other pages about their bad business practices.

I was in their store (in Glendale, CA) for the first time today, as a customer. I purchased 2 different teas, asking for 2 oz. each.

The sales clerk scooped the teas into their bags, and then I waited to be rung up. As I was rung up and was paying, I thought my total was higher than it should have been. But then I thought I must have misread the prices on the teas I was getting. So as I'm handed the bag with my teas, I look at the receipt and discover that I was sold 5 oz., NOT 4 oz. of tea.

So I said, "I'm sorry, but I didn't order 5 ounces of tea, I ordered 4 oz." The sales clerk then explained that they can't measure exactly, and it's going to be over or under a little.

Mind you, she didn't not ask me if it was okay that she went over some, as she was scooping/bagging the tea. She just did it. (And of course now I understand why, via the thread here: They must increase their sales, even if illegally.)

So I said this was not acceptable. I'll live with the 2.3 oz in one bag, but I do not want 2.7 oz with the other bag. She said there was nothing she could do. (What??)

I said this is not cool, not acceptable, I am not buying/paying for this much tea. (Although they already had my money now.) She then went into the room off the main floor, closed the door, and was gone for 4-5 minutes.

After 4-5 minutes, the General Manager came out, Brynda Chavez. She said the store's policy is no refunds, no exchanges. I said, "You must be kidding, you just sold me more than I asked for, I haven't even left the store."

She said the cash register wouldn't even allow a return. She then acted like she tried the register ( I say "acted" as I couldn't tell if she really tried or not), then she said "No, it won't let me. There's nothing I can do, there are no refunds."

Well... It escalated from there. I am normally a polite person, and given this shady practice of selling customers more than they're asking for, I was patient. But after her absolute refusal to do anything, I started getting mad.

I suspected this was done to juice sales and even said so, but she and the sales clerk denied this. After reading what has been written here, it's clear that's what they're doing.

I have never had a situation like this occur, particular with a store that is part of a chain or large corporation. Usually they care about customer service and not screwing people.

Now, we're only talking about a few dollars here, that they're overselling me on these 2 items... but do this with everyone who comes in the store -- say 700 customers a day, that an extra $2,100 per day they're making.

Multiply that by their 100+ stores, and that's an extra $210,000 a DAY in sales. This ain't chump change for a company like Teavana.

I wonder if any of the States' Attorneys General would like to hear about this? Or the Federal Trade Commission?

Ultimately, to finish the story here, I asked for the District Manager's number. Don't know if there is one, but I asked for this. She gives me the HQ number in Atlanta and that's all. I ask for the District Manager's number, saying this is totally unacceptable (and I am mad, but I'm not yelling), she then gets on the phone to call mall security. What?? Are you kidding me??

I anticipate never stepping foot in their stores again. I have contacted customer service (though I highly doubt this will do any good), and have emailed the owners (who may or may not get the email -- and from what I've seen here, sounds like they won't give a crap). What a shame. Oh well, guess I'll just go back to getting my teas from the other places around Los Angeles.

[Chip]

I think my blood pressure just shot up ...

I saw first hand shady scale practices (see my previous post). And I can assure you, their scale can weigh quite precisely, it must by law.

So, not taring, over selling ... and not correcting an oversell situation on the spot??? Yeah, you go and call security so I can get official witnesses!!!

Of course we just have your word on the matter, still I felt my BP shoot up as I read.

[ganesh09]

I have plenty of friends who shop at teavana and love it. i've had a few of their teas and think they are all amazing. i'm fairly familiar with the quality of teas they carry there and after doing research online i've come to a conclusion....... the people who complain about teavana are the ones who LOVE their 2oz of english breakfast or some flavor crap, and someone just tried to get them to buy a better quality of tea. so basically i'm saying people are getting pissed off because they are cheap. all other reviews where i've seen people spend $60 plus at teavana on quality tea never complain. or they say "that was expensive, but well worth it". it just frustrates me to see all these complaints about a company that is just trying to get you to get something BETTER than what you want which is crap. do you go into the grocery store and ask for four slices of bread? do you ALWAYS buy generic brand items while shopping? i highly doubt it. so why should tea be any different? it's the damn starbucks mentality that america has and americans have no regard for tea other than "oooo that's fruity or spicey, yum".

[bsteele]

I have plenty of friends who shop at teavana... [insert mindless ranting here]

...and may I add

[AdamMY]

I have plenty of friends who shop at teavana and love it. i've had a few of their teas and think they are all amazing. i'm fairly familiar with the quality of teas they carry there and after doing research online i've come to a conclusion....... the people who complain about teavana are the ones who LOVE their 2oz of english breakfast or some flavor crap, and someone just tried to get them to buy a better quality of tea. so basically i'm saying people are getting pissed off because they are cheap. all other reviews where i've seen people spend $60 plus at teavana on quality tea never complain. or they say "that was expensive, but well worth it". it just frustrates me to see all these complaints about a company that is just trying to get you to get something BETTER than what you want which is crap. do you go into the grocery store and ask for four slices of bread? do you ALWAYS buy generic brand items while shopping? i highly doubt it. so why should tea be any different? it's the damn starbucks mentality that america has and americans have no regard for tea other than "oooo that's fruity or spicey, yum".

I find it odd that you seem to say Teavana offers quality non-flavored teas, while an absurd portion of their stock is flavored. But perhaps the complaints are more centered around the fact that Teavana is overpriced for what it offers, there are many places where you can get a wider variety of non flavored teas, that are higher quality, for less from other sources.

Teavana is a good place for people to get started with tea as they are probably the most prevalent Loose Leaf tea chain, and their flavors tend to attract more beginners. But what we are saying is all the shady practices witnessed and mentioned on this thread, say the sooner you move on from Teavana, the better.

[Geekgirl]

The sales clerk then explained that they can't measure exactly, and it's going to be over or under a little.

Then she's either stupid or a liar, or has been instructed to push it nearly to the next ounce. Also, I find it ironic that the two bags came up to exactly ONE OUNCE more than you requested to purchase. 2.3, and 2.7?

I buy some of my "staple" teas at the Tao of Tea store here in Portland. They tare the scale if I bring my own tin, and I always get exactly the tea I request. One of the sales people (owner maybe?) will occasionally put X.1 oz and charge me for X, but the "hired help" is pretty precise.

I scoop my own at New Seasons market (they have bulk tea from three different tea companies including ToT,) and use the little ounce scale which is NOT precise. Even I can come within 2/10ths on that inaccurate and not-tareable* scale.

Makes me MAD!

ganesh:

the people who complain about teavana are the ones who LOVE their 2oz of english breakfast or some flavor crap, and someone just tried to get them to buy a better quality of tea. so basically i'm saying people are getting pissed off because they are cheap.

If you'd been around this forum for more than one post, you'd know that the vast majority of our complaints here do not stem from an unwillingness to pay a premium for good tea. I would venture to suggest that we actually know enough about tea, and have dealt with enough reputable sellers and companies that we know when we've encountered a shell game.

*I like to make words up. But you all knew what I meant right? So it should be a word! That's all I'm sayin'.

[entropyembrace]

i'm fairly familiar with the quality of teas they carry there and after doing research online i've come to a conclusion....... the people who complain about teavana are the ones who LOVE their 2oz of english breakfast or some flavor crap, and someone just tried to get them to buy a better quality of tea. so basically i'm saying people are getting pissed off because they are cheap.

I must be cheap and buy crappy tea because I don´t shop at Teavanna...

Nevermind I spent nearly $400 for just one kg of Single Bush Feng Huang Milan Dancong AAA last year.

Yeah I am so cheap and only drink flavor crap and english breakfast.

[iannon]

i'm fairly familiar with the quality of teas they carry there and after doing research online i've come to a conclusion....... the people who complain about teavana are the ones who LOVE their 2oz of english breakfast or some flavor crap, and someone just tried to get them to buy a better quality of tea. so basically i'm saying people are getting pissed off because they are cheap.

I must be cheap and buy crappy tea because I don´t shop at Teavanna...

Nevermind I spent nearly $400 for just one kg of Single Bush Feng Huang Milan Dancong AAA last year.

Yeah I am so cheap and only drink flavor crap and english breakfast.

Come ON Entropy!..after researching they already know we are all cheap crappy tea drinkers here..