“The Code”: Don’t Break the Vendor’s Code…

The recent uproar in the comment section of this recent post brought to light something that is implied but never explicitly stated…. “The code” or the agreed upon code of conduct between Western puerh vendors.  Although, I have never seen or heard it stated outright, I’ve heard of vendors complain of digressions. As far as I understand, and I am on the outside here, this is “the code”…

1-      Never Ask a Vendor Their Sources- This is probably the #1 complaint amongst vendors and probably the worst transgression.  If you are thinking about starting your own business don’t even hint about it!  Likely all Western facing vendors have been approached by someone in the past who attempts to sound innocent enough but then the next thing they know that innocent inquirer has started selling tea!  This is also the single biggest slap in the face to a vendor.

 

2-      Don’t Sell The Same Puerh- Although it is acceptable to sell a few of the same cakes as other Western facing puerh vendors, I have noticed that generally Western facing puerh vendors tend not to sell more than a few cakes that are the same.  Any more than a few and the code is broken.  The cakes that are sold on multiple sites are usually very common factory cakes and, out of courtesy are usually offering different storage.

 

3-      Don’t Overtly Criticize/ Critique Other Vendors- The roll of the puerh vendor is to sell puerh, it is the roll of the buyer and customer to criticize and critique.  This is especially true if the criticism and critique is beyond the tea itself and extends to the business, people running the business, sources, and other peripheral aspects.  It’s one thing to critique a tea and another to critique a competitor.  The criticism of another vendor should primarily and indirectly come from the high standard which they themselves run their business and choose their teas to sell. Many vendors have or have had blogs where they review other tea.  I think this is acceptable in so much that it is balanced and fair which most seem to be.  I always like to see when vendors comment, on this blog or the others I read.

 

4-      Be Respectful & Hold Yourself to a Higher Standard- It is kind of a double standard or unfair standard, but puerh vendors must hold themselves to a higher standard compared to us tea buyers (and even lowlier tea bloggers… hahaha) when discussing tea and other vendors.  We hold you in the highest regard and it’s an honor for us to be able to buy the tea you have sourced for us.  We only expect the best you can give, nothing less.

Peace