Requesting Sample Sizes?

[Maitre_Tea]

Even though this is more about different vendors, I'm posting this here because I'm trying to decide where to order my next batch of Oolong samples from. Even though most vendors offer sample sizes of about 15-25 grams, there are some vendors whose smallest size is 50 grams. I like to have smaller amounts of a larger selection of tea, than a larger amount of a small selection of tea. I'm still trying out different Oolong from different vendors, so I want to try out as much of their offerings as possible.

So, is it rude to ask a vendor to sell you a smaller size of a tea? I'm looking at Seven Cups, because they're having a monthly promotion on their Wuyi teas, but most of their smallest sizes are 50 grams. Could I ask them if I can buy 25 grams instead? Thanks

[wyardley]

A lot of times the simpler or more cost effective solution is just to order a larger size of one or two teas and ask for some (free) samples with your order. Most online vendors will send free samples with your order even if you don't ask, and for the vendor, it's less of a hassle than putting together a sample-only order.

A lot of vendors will be happy to put together sample packages for a (fairly) low cost, even without an order -- in fact, many will insist on it.

I can think of many vendors who offer sample sized offerings via their online carts (Jing Teashop and Hou De, for example, have sample sizes for many or all of their teas), as well as many who will send you samples if you give them a call (most will charge you something) -- Floating Leaves, Tea Habitat, J-Tea all come to mind, but I'm sure there are many others.

A pretty small (6-15g) sample should probably be enough for you to make up your mind about a given tea.

[kymidwife]

I got a nice selection of small single-pot samples at very reasonable prices from Tea from Taiwan and TeaHome. All the teas from both vendors have thus far been very good. It was an outstanding way to try out new vendors and lots of different teas.

Sarah