Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am looking into starting a small Tea Shop that sells loose leaf teas and tea accessories, with minimal coffee (just for those caffeine junkies).  I want to focus on Tea and not so much Coffee.  I was wondering if there was anyone out there that has any suggestions on where to find a good reputable distributor of loose leaf Teas and accessories?  I am also looking for a mentor that can help guide me.  I know this is a long shot but thought I would give this a try.

I`ve been thinking about opening a similar store as well.... hope we are not in the same neighbourhood! hehe

While looking around I found some cool sites with info on tea in general, these will probably help you if you haven`t come across them yourself

http://www.teausa.org/
http://www.teaandcoffee.net/index.html
http://www.taooftea.com/edu.php3?id=

hope it helps... let us know how you do!

-------------------------

Rubi Wiswall
Dance Instructor
http://www.rubifirstdance.com

There are green teas and CTC teas. Green teas generally come out of China. If you contact some of them you will probably get tea at very favorable terms of credit. Let`s assume that you have a collection of teas and coffees after some time.
You`ll need to promote your products locally at various events, possible even try getting someone to open a Tea cafe! At some stage you will want an online presence. You are right, you will need a mentor.