Frequently Asked Questions

Orders & Shipping

How long does shipping take?
Standard shipping takes 5-7 business days. Expedited shipping is 2-3 business days. Orders placed by 10am PT on business days typically ship same day.

Is shipping free?
Yes - free shipping on all orders over $50. Orders under $50 have shipping calculated at checkout.

Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship within the United States. For international inquiries, please contact us.

Can I track my order?
Yes. You'll receive a tracking number via email once your order ships.

Products & Tea

Are your teas organic?
Organic is in our nature. Each product page notes whether the tea is certified organic.

How should I store my tea?
Keep your tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Our resealable pouches are designed to maintain freshness, but transferring to an airtight container works great too.

What's the shelf life of your teas?
Most teas stay fresh for 12-18 months when stored properly. Matcha is best consumed within 2-3 months of opening for optimal flavor and color.

What's the difference between your matcha grades?
Our Shibumi Matcha is ceremonial grade - the finest quality for traditional preparation. Our Sweet Matcha includes organic cane sugar for a ready-to-mix option. Mainichi Matcha is our everyday matcha, perfect for lattes and smoothies.

Subscriptions

How do subscriptions work?
Subscribe to any product and save 10% on every order. Choose your delivery frequency and we'll handle the rest. You can modify, pause, or cancel anytime from your account page.

Can I change my subscription frequency?
Yes. Log into your account and adjust your delivery schedule anytime.

Can I skip or pause a delivery?
Absolutely. You can skip individual deliveries or pause your subscription entirely from your account page.

Returns & Satisfaction

What if I don't like my tea?
We offer a 100% money-back guaran-tea. If you're not satisfied, contact us within 14 days and we'll make it right.

How do I return a product?
Email ellen@samovartea.com with your order number. See our full Shipping & Returns policy for details.

About Samovar

Where is Samovar based?
Samovar Tea has been a San Francisco institution for over 15 years, known for our tea lounges and now our online tea shop bringing the same exceptional quality nationwide.

Where do you source your teas?
We work directly with artisan tea farmers in China, India, Japan, and other regions. We've built relationships over 15+ years to source the finest organic teas available.

Still have questions? Contact us - we'd love to hear from you.