We’re excited to be launching the first on-line Teaware Exchange. I suspect we all have a stash of teapots and cups that we no longer use. Perhaps we got some as gifts, or inherited some from family. Sometimes our aesthetic changes and we no longer love that quirky pot we just couldn’t live without. In my case, as I became more sophisticated in my knowledge of tea and tea brewing techniques, some of my older pots are just too big to be practical for everyday use.

We at T Ching decided that we need to give those fallen-from-favor items a new lease on life. As someone once said, “One man’s piece of junk is another man’s treasure.” If you have something that you once loved but no longer do, then why not give someone else the opportunity to love it as you once did. You can offer your items up for an exchange, a sale or just to be gifted to someone who would really love it. For more information, please read our exchange guidelines below.

You’ll find a new category called Teaware Exchange. So get your cameras out and empty those cabinets…you’ll be surprised to see how much space you have…room to buy lots of wonderful new teapots, of course. Have fun!

EXCHANGE GUIDELINES

This exchange is being offered in the interest and benefit of the T Ching community. T Ching will receive no compensation but merely the satisfaction of helping to stimulate the clearing out of unused “stuff” and the pleasure of discovering new items.

Our expectation is that everyone will operate on the honor system in their dealings with each other. That is the only realistic way this will work effectively to the benefit of all. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any guarantees or protection, so make certain you are absolutely clear about what you are getting before you engage in a final transaction. We will be open to feedback about problem exchanges, and if we get a negative report about a particular person, the situation will be investigated with an attempt to resolve conflicts. Ultimately the potential exists for someone to be banned from further exchanges or sales if we are unable to successfully resolve the complaint or if someone has multiple complaints against themself.

If you have something that you would like to barter, sell or just give away, you will need to follow a few basic guidelines in order to make that happen:

1. Take good quality digital photos, write up a detailed description including any flaws or blemishes that may be present and put them in an email to editor@tching.com.
2. Please include your location so people can anticipate shipping costs. I would recommend insurance which is available through US Postal Service.
3. Establish a sale price which can be helpful for barters as well as for those who are shopping outright.
4. Remember that “give aways” will still have a shipping charge attached to them, and
5. Have fun!