Okay, I think 52teas is officially my favorite tea company ever. Not only do they make delicious, addictive teas, but I placed an order on Friday night and it arrived TODAY!!!
Alright, on to this tea. I love Earl Grey, in fact, the Earl is possibly THE tea that got me into the tea habit. This is a very strongly flavored Earl, but not off-putting at all. I am pleasantly surprised that the cheesecake is so noticeable and complimentary to the bergamot. I also like the addition of the Darjeeling which seems to add a bit extra. Wow, this stuff is good.
And the best part is that I have 2 other pouches to dig into tonight!
Preparation
Comments
Ohh… what else did you get? He hasn’t posted the new tea of the week yet, and I’m personally feeling neglected. Like he forgot ME or something. :)
I also picked up the Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish and the Pineapple Upside Down Cake (<—-that one is mainly for my husband, but I’m sure I will drink more than my fair share also!) I won’t be ordering any more tea until October, so if he comes out with something great I hope it is still around by then (I am also waiting on a Golden Moon order that is taking FOREVER and I really want my Coconut Pouchong/Sugar Caramel Oolong to be here already!)
RE: “I’m personally feeling neglected. Like he forgot ME or something.” LOL I’m glad I’m not the only one… Mondays stink w/o the TOTW.
Trust me I know what you mean. My Golden Moon order took about 2weeks to arrive. I felt like that was ridiculous. When I mentioned it to the company I was sent a coupon and samples which was nice but I never got what I was really looking for…An apology. I was just told why it took that long and basically I was wrong in believing it should have come sooner. Nice huh? Good thing I like their tea.
I am kind of surprised to hear this about Golden Moon, to be completely honest. They’ve always been super nice to me. The first time I placed an order with them, it was a all-samples order, and I had trouble with the shopping cart. I emailed them, I heard back from them almost immediately, and after they fixed the issue they sent me the order for free. (It wasn’t a huge order, just a few samples, I am sure that if I had ordered more, they wouldn’t have done this – I mean, no company could afford doing that…) I have always received speedy responses when I email them… and my orders arrive really quickly. I’m sorry you’re encountering issues!
I have made only two orders and the same thing. Considering I live in a pretty populated area I was shocked at how it took. I understand things happen but I was upset I got no apology. That’s all.
Your patience will be rewarded. I’m working on the post for the new Tea of the Week now. AND a special offer. :) Oh, and the Tea of the Week for this week: simply AMAZING.
@Rachel – no, I totally understand your frustration! I would feel the same way. I’m just surprised that it happened with them because I had such outstanding service from them. I am sorry it didn’t happen that way for you though! That sucks!
@52Teas I am patiently (well, not so patiently) waiting. I may have to wait a little longer, actually, since, most of my funds are currently absorbed with my art class on Wednesday… but, I still am eager with anticipation!!!
@52Teas please don’t make it too amazing. I already want the Earl Grey Cheesecake, Watermelon & Raspberries, and the Blueberry Danish one. I can’t add anymore to the list. I just can’t.
I have had a really good experience with Golden Moon: I particularly liked their samples box and rose tea. Service was good and shipping fast.
I have not ordered anything from 52teas yet. With so many tea companies to choose from I tend to choose those where I can see vision and attention to detail which includes website (user experience) well designed packaging and professionally written copy etc. and in this department 52teas could indeed use some improvement ….
I imagine my experience was just a fluke and I fully plan ordering again from them and as far as what you’re saying Inguna I do agree that website design, packaging, and etc are important factors; at least to me, but I also strongly base decisions on customer experiences and reviews as well. Sometimes I even just risk it in hopes to find that diamond in the rough. It doesn’t happen frequently but it has happened. Admittedly I don’t risk it much, but sometimes it is fun especially if the risk isn’t to financially an impact.
@Rachel – I’m not quite to frustration with Golden Moon, yet. But considering that I ordered from 5 days before 52teas, I feel like I should have already received the order – even if shipping from 52teas wasn’t crazy fast this time. The estimated arrival date has been moved from Friday to Saturday at this point, which will make a full 2 weeks since ordering.
@inguna Ouch. I’m sorry that you think our website, packaging and written copy are not up to par. I put everything I have into our teas. Unfortunately, I do not have the budget that some of my competition has to spend on the website, etc. I think I’ve done pretty good considering I built the website myself. I just can’t imagine that the website, written copy and packaging are more important than the tea.
I’m inclined to agree with you, Frank. I think that the unique flavors that you offer, the awesome service, great prices (free shipping!) and… quite Frankly (haha!) your sense of humor far outweigh those other things.
I agree LiberTeas it’s not a 100% about looks. It plays a part, it is just human nature but a decision is truly made with the culmination of all things being balanced as per the individuals specifications before a decision on where to make purchases can be made. A winning combination of factors can only be determined by the person making the decision and all a merchant can do is try to appeal to the vast majority with the means available.
Now specifically 52Teas I base my decisions on purchases vastly due to customer reviews and recommendations. Once I did that I got to know the merchant (Frank) which I enjoy doing business with because of his personal service, unique product selection, excellent teas, great prices, free shipping, fast service both shipping and reply to communications. Yes, the website could be more polished and professional looking but it doesn’t prevent me from buying his teas. Would more customers purchase from him if it were more polished? Probably, especially a new market of customers such as those new to tea, those who base purchases on visual appeal, and not associated with Steepster or any other tea related site. More importantly does Frank need to make changes to the site? No, the bottom line is he has great tea and fantastic customer service and reviews. The proof is right here. Thus,bottom line: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
Sorry for rambling everyone!
@52teas – you can always improve and nothing is perfect ever anyway. And I understand that building a business is a process where you take one step at a time. I promise I will try some of you blends :)
@inguna – I highly recommend 52teas’ blends. Even the stranger combos (Buttered Cinnamon Raisin Toast, for example) have been amazing! It never hurts to try something new, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised.
I agree w/ mrawlins2- even if you don’t personally like them- they are extremely accurate. There’s always ManTeas as well- I REALLY recommend their Mayan Chocolate Chai and Beer Tea.
@RachanaC (A.K.A. Rachel): Thanks very much.
@inguna: You are correct; there is always room for improvement. I am always looking for ways to improve the website, our product, service and just about every aspect of my business. Most people probably don’t even notice, but the website is being improved a little bit at a time. I work very closely with the developer of the ecommerce software we use, and he has been gracious enough to include quite a few of my recommendations for changes into updates of his software.
Once upon a time, I contacted the folks who built Adagio’s website and asked them what it would take to have a site like that built for me. They told me it would be a minimum of $80k. I decided I needed to learn how to build websites. Since then, I have built zoomdweebies.com (third incarnation now), 52teas.com, manteas.com, mysweethoneybush.com and I’m currently working on SouthernBoyTeas.com. If I say so myself, I think the sites are looking better and better with each new site/revision. At least I am learning more and more about the process anyway.
Anyhow, enough of my rambling. I look forward to serving you in the future. I’m sure you will enjoy our teas.
Incidentally, I think the same has to be said for our packaging. The original Zoomdweebie’s blends (a few people here have some of those pouches) had VERY simple labels with no images. The early 52teas labels had images with sad little gradients and stuff in the background. Having to create a new label every week means streamlining the process a little bit, but I am making small improvements as I go.
@Cofftea, I am always on the hunt for better packaging. I actually have an email out to a company that produces stand-up pouches with rice paper.
@52teas I like your blurbs a lot, so much more personality than some of the more “sophisticated” sites. I think your site does have some usability issues, but as long as you stay away from embedded midis and animated gifs, I’m good :P Actually, now that I think about it…I think I had the usability problems because I had scripts disabled…carry on!
LOL. I just figured out how to embed the mp3s for my newest site: http://www.SouthernBoyTeas.com. But someone did end up talking me out of autoplaying them. :(
Oh wow, you did them yourself from scratch? Impressed now. (also: thank GOD someone talked you out of it…SO FULL of autoplay hate)
Ohh… what else did you get? He hasn’t posted the new tea of the week yet, and I’m personally feeling neglected. Like he forgot ME or something. :)
I also picked up the Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish and the Pineapple Upside Down Cake (<—-that one is mainly for my husband, but I’m sure I will drink more than my fair share also!) I won’t be ordering any more tea until October, so if he comes out with something great I hope it is still around by then (I am also waiting on a Golden Moon order that is taking FOREVER and I really want my Coconut Pouchong/Sugar Caramel Oolong to be here already!)
RE: “I’m personally feeling neglected. Like he forgot ME or something.” LOL I’m glad I’m not the only one… Mondays stink w/o the TOTW.
@mrawlins2 – both of those are spectacular too. You won’t be disappointed!
Trust me I know what you mean. My Golden Moon order took about 2weeks to arrive. I felt like that was ridiculous. When I mentioned it to the company I was sent a coupon and samples which was nice but I never got what I was really looking for…An apology. I was just told why it took that long and basically I was wrong in believing it should have come sooner. Nice huh? Good thing I like their tea.
I am kind of surprised to hear this about Golden Moon, to be completely honest. They’ve always been super nice to me. The first time I placed an order with them, it was a all-samples order, and I had trouble with the shopping cart. I emailed them, I heard back from them almost immediately, and after they fixed the issue they sent me the order for free. (It wasn’t a huge order, just a few samples, I am sure that if I had ordered more, they wouldn’t have done this – I mean, no company could afford doing that…) I have always received speedy responses when I email them… and my orders arrive really quickly. I’m sorry you’re encountering issues!
I have made only two orders and the same thing. Considering I live in a pretty populated area I was shocked at how it took. I understand things happen but I was upset I got no apology. That’s all.
Your patience will be rewarded. I’m working on the post for the new Tea of the Week now. AND a special offer. :) Oh, and the Tea of the Week for this week: simply AMAZING.
@Rachel – no, I totally understand your frustration! I would feel the same way. I’m just surprised that it happened with them because I had such outstanding service from them. I am sorry it didn’t happen that way for you though! That sucks!
@52Teas I am patiently (well, not so patiently) waiting. I may have to wait a little longer, actually, since, most of my funds are currently absorbed with my art class on Wednesday… but, I still am eager with anticipation!!!
@52Teas please don’t make it too amazing. I already want the Earl Grey Cheesecake, Watermelon & Raspberries, and the Blueberry Danish one. I can’t add anymore to the list. I just can’t.
I have had a really good experience with Golden Moon: I particularly liked their samples box and rose tea. Service was good and shipping fast.
I have not ordered anything from 52teas yet. With so many tea companies to choose from I tend to choose those where I can see vision and attention to detail which includes website (user experience) well designed packaging and professionally written copy etc. and in this department 52teas could indeed use some improvement ….
I imagine my experience was just a fluke and I fully plan ordering again from them and as far as what you’re saying Inguna I do agree that website design, packaging, and etc are important factors; at least to me, but I also strongly base decisions on customer experiences and reviews as well. Sometimes I even just risk it in hopes to find that diamond in the rough. It doesn’t happen frequently but it has happened. Admittedly I don’t risk it much, but sometimes it is fun especially if the risk isn’t to financially an impact.
@Rachel – I’m not quite to frustration with Golden Moon, yet. But considering that I ordered from 5 days before 52teas, I feel like I should have already received the order – even if shipping from 52teas wasn’t crazy fast this time. The estimated arrival date has been moved from Friday to Saturday at this point, which will make a full 2 weeks since ordering.
@mrawlins2 I totally understand.
@inguna Ouch. I’m sorry that you think our website, packaging and written copy are not up to par. I put everything I have into our teas. Unfortunately, I do not have the budget that some of my competition has to spend on the website, etc. I think I’ve done pretty good considering I built the website myself. I just can’t imagine that the website, written copy and packaging are more important than the tea.
I’m inclined to agree with you, Frank. I think that the unique flavors that you offer, the awesome service, great prices (free shipping!) and… quite Frankly (haha!) your sense of humor far outweigh those other things.
Thanks @LiberTEAS. I appreciate that.
I agree LiberTeas it’s not a 100% about looks. It plays a part, it is just human nature but a decision is truly made with the culmination of all things being balanced as per the individuals specifications before a decision on where to make purchases can be made. A winning combination of factors can only be determined by the person making the decision and all a merchant can do is try to appeal to the vast majority with the means available.
Now specifically 52Teas I base my decisions on purchases vastly due to customer reviews and recommendations. Once I did that I got to know the merchant (Frank) which I enjoy doing business with because of his personal service, unique product selection, excellent teas, great prices, free shipping, fast service both shipping and reply to communications. Yes, the website could be more polished and professional looking but it doesn’t prevent me from buying his teas. Would more customers purchase from him if it were more polished? Probably, especially a new market of customers such as those new to tea, those who base purchases on visual appeal, and not associated with Steepster or any other tea related site. More importantly does Frank need to make changes to the site? No, the bottom line is he has great tea and fantastic customer service and reviews. The proof is right here. Thus,bottom line: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
Sorry for rambling everyone!
@52teas – you can always improve and nothing is perfect ever anyway. And I understand that building a business is a process where you take one step at a time. I promise I will try some of you blends :)
@inguna – I highly recommend 52teas’ blends. Even the stranger combos (Buttered Cinnamon Raisin Toast, for example) have been amazing! It never hurts to try something new, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised.
I agree w/ mrawlins2- even if you don’t personally like them- they are extremely accurate. There’s always ManTeas as well- I REALLY recommend their Mayan Chocolate Chai and Beer Tea.
@RachanaC (A.K.A. Rachel): Thanks very much.
@inguna: You are correct; there is always room for improvement. I am always looking for ways to improve the website, our product, service and just about every aspect of my business. Most people probably don’t even notice, but the website is being improved a little bit at a time. I work very closely with the developer of the ecommerce software we use, and he has been gracious enough to include quite a few of my recommendations for changes into updates of his software.
Once upon a time, I contacted the folks who built Adagio’s website and asked them what it would take to have a site like that built for me. They told me it would be a minimum of $80k. I decided I needed to learn how to build websites. Since then, I have built zoomdweebies.com (third incarnation now), 52teas.com, manteas.com, mysweethoneybush.com and I’m currently working on SouthernBoyTeas.com. If I say so myself, I think the sites are looking better and better with each new site/revision. At least I am learning more and more about the process anyway.
Anyhow, enough of my rambling. I look forward to serving you in the future. I’m sure you will enjoy our teas.
Incidentally, I think the same has to be said for our packaging. The original Zoomdweebie’s blends (a few people here have some of those pouches) had VERY simple labels with no images. The early 52teas labels had images with sad little gradients and stuff in the background. Having to create a new label every week means streamlining the process a little bit, but I am making small improvements as I go.
Speaking of packaging Frank- any plans for opaque or, better yet, treated transparent packaging?
@Cofftea, I am always on the hunt for better packaging. I actually have an email out to a company that produces stand-up pouches with rice paper.
@52teas I like your blurbs a lot, so much more personality than some of the more “sophisticated” sites. I think your site does have some usability issues, but as long as you stay away from embedded midis and animated gifs, I’m good :P Actually, now that I think about it…I think I had the usability problems because I had scripts disabled…carry on!
LOL. I just figured out how to embed the mp3s for my newest site: http://www.SouthernBoyTeas.com. But someone did end up talking me out of autoplaying them. :(
Oh wow, you did them yourself from scratch? Impressed now. (also: thank GOD someone talked you out of it…SO FULL of autoplay hate)
Good to heat about the packaging Frank!:)
Thanks for the recommendations. I will definitely give it a try. Judging from the enthusiastic response it is well worth it.
Did not expect my remark to attract that much of attention but attention is good for the business :)