Customer Service
About the tea at Samovar Tea Lounge
San Francisco tea at Samovar Tea Lounge is super fresh, sourced directly from small artisan estates, and organic and fair trade. Please visit us in San Francisco for high tea, breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Or, order tea online. Storing Samovar Tea Lounge tea keeps it fresh and healthy and yummy. Just keep it in an airtight container, out of light, heat and moisture.
Use your tea quickly! The reason we sell tea in small quantities, is so that you use it—not store it. Don't hang on to a precious tea for months, saving it for a "special occasion." Use it when you get it, and then replenish as needed. We encourage purchasing tea often, in small quantities to ensure the best taste (instead of stockpiling!).
We guarantee your satisfaction. Tea is fresh, and seasonal, and we only source really small quantities. If you have any questions about what to order please email to learn more before you order. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns for tea as it is a food product. If you are ever disatisfied with any purchase, please email us explaining what you were looking for and how we can get you the appropriate tea and teaware for your needs.
Shipping & Handling
Shipping & Rates
We make every effort to ensure your package ships within 48 hours. Samovar Tea Lounge ships to addresses in the 50 States only. At this time we do not ship internationally. If you have any questions about our shipping methods, please call us at 415.626.4700.
Please allow 7-10 business days (excludes weekends and holidays) for Standard delivery. Because of the cost of fuel, and the increasing costs to ship, our shipping prices will fluctuate with the price we are charged by UPS. To minimze the environmental impact of shipping, we currently only ship via Ground. This means that your package will arrive....it will just take a little longer. So, please plan on this shipping time when ordering.
Multiple Shipping Addresses
For multiple shipping addresses, a separate shipping and handling charge will be assessed based on the product total to each address.
Oversize or Fragile Charges
Some orders that contain large or especially delicate products require special packaging and handling and shipping considerations. Because our cost to ship them is higher than for other items, we will add a surcharge. This charge will be clearly stated when it is relevant and we will never add a charge without your agreement. These charges are in addition to all regular delivery charges.
Recycled Packaging
We make every effort to re-use packaging and materials because it is good for the environment. Please be aware that the boxes we use for shipments are being recycled--and if you can find a use for it instead of throwing it away, please do so!
How To Order Our Tea and Teaware
Online
You can order from Samovar Tea Lounge online (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). This is a great way to order your tea and teaware, when it is convenient to you, at your own pace. When you have found a product you wish to purchase, just click on the "Buy" button. You will be prompted to fill out a few simple forms (such as your shipping address), when you are finished shopping and you wish to check out.
By Telephone
Call us at 415.626.4700 any day between 10am and 10pm PST. Our Tea-tender experts are more than happy to help you choose your teas and teaware, or to answer any questions you have about tea, from brewing tips to pairing tea with food. If you need assistance outside of the hours listed above, please leave a detailed message and we will return your call within 24 hours.
By mail
To mail your order to us, please include your completed order form with any relevant item numbers, and quantities. Please remember to include a Visa or Mastercard number, expiration date, and your billing and shipping address.
We will call or e-mail you to let you know shipping charges.
Our mailing address:
Orders
Samovar Tea Lounge
498 Sanchez Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
Sales Tax
Any orders sent to addresses within California will be charged California sales tax.
Methods of Payment
We are happy to accept Visa or Mastercard for all internet and mail orders. At this time we do not accept American Express.
Attention Debit Card Users
If you are using a debit card, your bank may remove or set aside the necessary funds to cover the order for a period of up to 5 business days. We do not collect payment until the order has been shipped.
We're Only Human, and all About Returns
We work hard at Samovar Tea Lounge to ensure you get the best products available, as quickly as possible. But we are human, and sometimes we make mistakes! We reserve the right to correct any errors or inaccuracies at any time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
If you are trying a tea for the first time, and you don't know what it tastes like, please email or call us to find out. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on any tea, food, or bodycare products do to health regulations. Please make your purchase wisely and enjoy fully! If you have received any damaged teaware, please do email us and we will be happy to replace or credit your account for broken or damaged teaware.
Gift Certificates
Samovar Tea Lounge Gift Certificates are available for purchase online or by calling us at 415.626.4700. Currently they are only available for redemption in our store.
To Purchase a Gift Certificate on-line, click here. If the gift certificate is a gift for someone else, please include the full name of the person to whom the Gift Certificate should be addressed in the "ship to" fields during the online checkout.
Wholesale Purchasing*
We have phenomenal tea, and beautiful, practical, and unique teaware that is perfect for your business! If you are interested in including tea in your business program, please do contact us and we can discuss a full program—from staff training, to tea-menu planning, to creating a system for you to serve our teas in your business space. Our wholesale program is intended to support and supply you with as much product and service you need. Let us help you add tea to your menu! Tea is good for your business because customers love it, and it is good for them: restaurants, cafes, wine bars, bistros, spas, yoga studios, gyms, health clubs, and physical therapy centers. Please call 415.626.4700 for qualifications and/or requirements. Or, email Jodet to find out more.
*At this time, we are only offering our wholesale services to California businesses.
Tea Lifestyle is our business
Our mission is to provide for you the tea lifestyle. Visit our lounge at the Sanchez Street in San Francisco location to experience our delicious teas and foods, listen to our relaxing music, and chat with your fellow tea drinkers.
If you don't live in the area, you can order our teas online, by phone, or by mail, and experience the tea lifestyle where and when you want.
By purchasing our products you can be assured that we only sell teas we have tasted and tested ourselves, and that they are guaranteed fresh, and delicious.
If you have ideas or feedback, we want to hear from you! Contact us here.