5 Ways to Support Small Tea Companies During Coronavirus

This article is not reactionary or based on fear, but thoughtful and intentional. Hopefully it will help tea companies around the world. As you may know, the coronavirus is threatening small businesses and that includes many great tea companies, whether they are a retail store or online based. Tea is safe to consume. There is no risk of being infected through it. That being said, tea should not be used (or marketed) as something to prevent coronavirus infections. Please do not fall into that trap. Tea does provide comfort though, especially in a time like this. I find myself turning the kettle on more often just to escape from the world for a few moments. In those moments I begin to wonder what I can do to help those who have provided this ritual. If you’re wondering the same, here are some ideas on how to support small tea companies.

How to Support Your Favourite Tea Companies

All of the recommendations below are possible to do in the comfort of your own home. Yes, some involve spending money, but if you’re not able to at this time, there are definitely ways to support a business for free. I made sure to include them here. Truthfully, the ideas below can be done at any time of the year, but understanding that it is a difficult time right now for some, please consider taking a few moments to help if you can.

Let’s start with the most obvious way…

1. Buy tea!

Most independent tea shops also sell their tea online, so go on a mini shopping spree whether you’re purchasing for just yourself or others too. If your favourite shop doesn’t have their teas online and you can not leave your home, trying phoning them to see if they will ship an order out to you.

2. …Or buy gift cards.

I know there are probably tea drinkers out there who have been trying to limit their tea purchases because they already have too much (#drinkwhatyouown). But, if you want to support a tea company financially consider just purchasing a gift card today to use at a later date. This is also a great option if you’re concerned about packages not getting to you right now.

3. Connect & Engage Online.

As mentioned, you can support tea companies without spending money, too. Follow brands on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Like and share their posts with your followers. Sign up for email newsletters and actually open and read them. Forward any promotions on to others you may think are interested. Word of mouth remains the best form of marketing for a reason.

4. Rate/Review.

Love a tea company? Don’t hide it! Review and/or rate them on their Facebook, Google, and Yelp pages or even on your own blog/social media. Everything little bit helps. Give people a reason to visit this tea shop next time their out and about or online shopping.

5. Reach out to them.

If you’ve done everything above or would like to just do something more, don’t hesitate to contact a tea company directly. Ask how they are doing and if there is anything you can do to help. Sometimes just knowing there are people out there who are thinking of you and spreading positivity, can make a difference.

Sara of Tea Happiness wrote an eye-opening post featuring interviews from some tea vendors explaining how they have been impacted by the virus. I highly recommend checking out the article here.

If you have other helpful ideas, whether you are a consumer or small business owner, please feel free to share in the comments below. You’re welcome to link back to your online tea shop, too.