Summary of Services
It gives us great pleasure to announce an expansion of the services offered by the Tea Association of the U.S.A. The Specialty Tea Institute (STI) is a division dedicated to serving the needs of purveyors in the specialty tea industry. We invite you to read about the services of the Specialty Tea Institute (STI) and join this organization at your earliest convenience.
Our Startup package of information will allow you to intelligently assess the business opportunity, to prepare business plans and seek financial backing. The primary objective is to provide a credible source of information which will allow you to decide if entry into the world of specialty teas is right for you. If you are already in business then we offer many ongoing services which will help you merchandise tea and maximize your profitability. STI will function as your silent partner in the pursuit of these objectives. A copy of the dues schedule and application form is attached for your information and we invite any questions which you may have. The fees have been designed to be very affordable for an individual operator.
STI was created to provide purveyors of Specialty Tea with the following information:
- Startup Help
- Industry Information
- Industry Trends
- Statistical Analysis
- Consulting Resource
- Networking Aid
- Educational Assistance
- Certification Services
- Industry reports on a great many subjects of interest
- A statistical analysis of the tea industry that will assist you in preparing a comprehensive business plan.
- A preferred list of suppliers of tea, tea supplies, tea paraphernalia, and services
- A list of tea industry information sources
- A 6 month free subscription to Tea & Coffee Trade Journal
- A concise history of tea
- Fact sheets covering basic information about tea
- Specialty Tea Institute newsletter
- Demographic information relative to who the consumer of Specialty Tea is and suggestions as to how to appeal to those consumers
- A list of tea industry reference books
- A list of consultants available on a broad spectrum of tea related subject
- A list of entrepreneurs already in the business who may be consulted
In addition to the startup kit, you will receive membership in STI for the balance of the year in which you join. If you become a member any time in the third quarter, you will be offered an opportunity to continue your membership the next year at 50% off the stated dues. If you join in the last quarter of the year, your next year's membership fee will be waived. At that point, continued membership in STI offers additional ongoing services that will prove invaluable to the established specialty tea purveyor. Ongoing benefits include consulting privileges, access to educational seminars at reduced fees, and newsletters that keep you informed of issues important to the conduct of your business.
Tea consumption is on the upswing in the United States and there is much evidence that this trend will increase momentum as a result of many factors including, the numerous scientific studies linking tea to a great many health benefits. Let STI help your company take advantage of these tremendous marketing and profit opportunities. We invite your consideration of this invitation and look forward to welcoming you as a member of the Specialty Tea Institute (STI).