Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the PapaTea Help Centre!

We've gathered answers to our most common questions right here. Whether you're new to the world of loose leaf tea, trying to choose between green tea or black tea, or have a question about your order, we're here to help you get the most out of your Australian tea experience.

Ordering & Shipping

How does tea delivery Australia-wide work?

We proudly ship our premium teas across the country. When you buy tea online with us, we process your order from our base in Melbourne within 1-2 business days. Standard delivery times vary, but typically range from 3-14 business days depending on your location. Whether you're looking to buy tea in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Newcastle, or right here in Melbourne, we've got you covered with reliable delivery.

Can I track my online tea order?

Yes, absolutely. Once your order is dispatched from our tea shop Melbourne, you will receive a shipping confirmation email containing a tracking number. You can use this number to follow your tea's journey right to your doorstep.

Do you offer in-store refills?

As a primarily online tea shop, we do not currently have a physical retail storefront that offers in-store refills. This online model allows us to keep our costs down and ship our wide range of herbal teas and premium blends directly to customers all across Australia. We do offer our teas in various sizes, so you can buy a larger quantity of your favourite tea to reduce packaging over time.

What are your shipping costs?

We offer a flat rate for standard shipping anywhere in Australia. To make things even better, we provide FREE standard shipping on all orders over $50. This is automatically applied at checkout, making it even easier to stock up on your favourite black tea and herbal teas.

About Our Teas & Quality

Are your teas quality tested?

Absolutely. Quality is at the heart of everything we do at PapaTea. Our teas are sourced from trusted premium European suppliers who conduct rigorous testing for quality and consistency. Furthermore, every blend is personally tasted and approved by our team here in Melbourne before it is handpacked. We ensure that every cup, from a classic black tea to a delicate green tea, meets our high standards.

Is your packaging eco-friendly?

We are committed to sustainability and are always working to improve our packaging. Our resealable tea pouches are designed to protect the freshness of your loose leaf tea and are made from materials chosen for their lower environmental impact. We use recyclable materials for our shipping boxes and are constantly exploring new eco-friendly options to minimise our footprint.

What is the difference between black tea, green tea, and oolong tea?

The main difference lies in the oxidation process. Black tea, like our classic Earl Grey or bold Forest Berry blends, is fully oxidised, which gives it a deep colour and robust flavour. Green tea, like our exotic Safari Sunset, is not oxidised, preserving its fresh, grassy, and delicate character. Oolong tea, such as our Goji Berry blend, sits beautifully in the middle, being partially oxidised, which gives it a unique complexity.

Does tea have caffeine? Which teas are caffeine-free?

Yes, teas from the Camellia sinensis plant, which includes black tea, green tea, and oolong tea, naturally contain caffeine. However, if you're looking for a caffeine-free option, our entire herbal tea collection is perfect for you. For a truly relaxing experience, we highly recommend our calming tea blends Alpine Meadow and Nirvana, which make the perfect tea for sleep or bedtime tea.

Brewing & Preparation

How to brew loose leaf tea perfectly?

Brewing the perfect cup is a simple art. You'll need a tea infuser, strainer, or teapot.

1. Measure: Use about 1 teaspoon (2g) of loose leaf tea per tea cup (approx. 250ml).
2. Heat Water: Heat your water to the temperature recommended on the tea's packaging. Boiling water (100°C) is great for black tea and most herbal teas, but can burn delicate green tea (which prefers 70-80°C).
3. Steep: Pour the hot water over the leaves and steep for the recommended time.
4. Enjoy: Remove the infuser and enjoy your delicious brew!

Why does my tea taste bitter?

Bitterness is almost always caused by using water that is too hot or steeping for too long. This is especially true for green tea. Try using cooler water or reducing your steep time by a minute, and you should notice a significant improvement.

Wholesale, Gifting & Corporate

Do you have a Wholesale offering?

Yes, we are proud to partner with cafes, restaurants, hotels, and retailers across Australia who share our passion for high-quality tea. If you would like to serve or sell PapaTea, please visit our Wholesale page or contact our team directly for information on our offerings and pricing.

Do you offer corporate tea gifts?

Absolutely! A premium tea gift box from our Australian collection makes a sophisticated and memorable gift for clients, partners, and employees. We can work with you to create custom tea gifts that fit your budget and brand. Please get in touch with our team via the Contact Us page to discuss your corporate gifting needs.

Contact & Brand Enquiries

I need help with something. How do I contact PapaTea?

Our customer service team is always here to help! The best way to reach us is by sending an email to papa.tcompany@gmail.com or by filling out the form on our Contact Us page. We aim to respond to all enquiries about loose leaf tea orders and products within one business day.

I want to work for PapaTea! Do you have any job openings?

Thank you for your interest in joining the PapaTea family! We are a small, passionate team based in Melbourne. While we may not have specific openings right now, we are always keen to hear from fellow tea lovers. You can send your expression of interest and resume to our contact email, and we will keep it on file for future opportunities