Bubble tea wholesale FAQ

Browse our knowledge base for answers to your questions about orders, shipping, refunds, and more.

Returns & Support

Can I return or exchange an item if I ordered the wrong product or changed my mind?

Yes, but a restocking fee will apply.
We accept return and exchange requests within 7 days of receiving your order. The returned items must be brand new, unopened, and in their original packaging.
⚠️ Please Note: If the return is not due to a product defect or our shipping error (e.g., you ordered the wrong item or didn't like the flavor), you will be responsible for the return shipping costs, and our warehouse will deduct a 15% Restocking Fee from your total refund amount.

What should I do if I receive damaged, missing, or wrong items in my package?

Please take photos immediately, and we will resolve it for you ASAP! If you encounter logistics damage or shipping errors, please complete the following two steps within 7 days of receiving the goods:

  1. Take Photos: Capture the condition of the outer box, the shipping label, and the damaged/received items.
  2. Contact Support: Have your [Store Name] and [Order Number] ready, and send the photos to your dedicated sales rep or through our website's live chat.

(Once verified as our or the carrier's fault, Boba Guru will cover all return shipping costs with no restocking fee applied.)

Are there any items that are "strictly non-returnable"?

Yes, for safety and customization reasons, the following items cannot be returned or exchanged:

  • Ingredients that have been opened, used, or spoiled due to improper storage.
  • All OEM Custom Products (as they are printed with your exclusive logo or formula).
  • Any orders that have exceeded the 7-day return window.

How long does a refund take, and where will the funds go?

Once our warehouse receives and inspects your returned package, we will process your refund within 3-5 business days. The funds will be returned to your original credit card used for checkout, or converted into Store Credit, which can be directly applied to your next order.

Tax & Billing

I am a store owner in New York (NY). How do I waive the 8.875% sales tax?

Just follow 3 simple steps, and the system will automatically deduct the tax:

  1. Shop: Add your desired ingredients to the cart.
  2. Check 'Tax Exempt': Check the 'Tax Exempt' option on the checkout page.
  3. Upload Documents: Upload photos of your ST120 Form and EIN.

💡 System Magic: Once successfully uploaded, your tax total will drop to zero immediately! For future orders, just log in with the same account, and the system will automatically recognize your tax-exempt status without needing to upload again.

I am an existing customer and have submitted my tax-exempt documents before. Do I need to upload them again?

No! We have already pre-set it for you.
Simply log in using your "Registered Email" (the one you gave to your sales rep). The system will automatically identify you as a tax-exempt B2B customer, and no tax will be applied at checkout.

⚠️ Friendly Reminder: If you log in and still see taxes applied, please DO NOT check out yet. Contact your dedicated sales rep immediately to check your account permissions.

Besides wholesale pricing, are there any other ways to save money?

Yes! Boba Guru offers the strongest double discounts in the industry:

  • Non-Credit Card Payment (2.5% Off): Select Zelle, ACH, or Check at checkout, and the system will automatically deduct an extra 2.5% processing fee from your total.
  • Warehouse Pick-up (2% Off): Choose the "Warehouse Pick-up" option at checkout to enjoy an additional 2% discount.

💰 Save up to 4.5% in total! This is a significant profit margin boost for long-term partners.

What payment methods does the website support?

We support a variety of flexible payment options:

  • Online Payments: Major Credit Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay.
  • Offline/Bank Transfers: Zelle, ACH, Checks, and Store Credit deduction for regular customers.

Can I get an official Invoice for tax reporting after placing an order?

Absolutely!
Once your order is completed, the system will automatically send an E-Invoice to your email. You can also log in to your account anytime and download the official receipt for any past order in your "Order History" for your accounting needs.

Product & Bar Support

What is the best way to cook and store Tapioca Pearls (Boba)? What is the yield per bag?

Master the golden 4 hours for the best chewy texture!

  • Storage: After cooking and sweetening, please store the boba at room temperature. The best tasting window is 4 hours. (⚠️ DO NOT put cooked boba in the fridge, or it will become hard!)
  • Basic Yield: One bag of raw pearls yields approximately 40 cups (based on a 16oz drink).
  • Certifications: Our pearls are Halal Certified (Not Kosher).

What is the basic yield guide for 3-in-1 powders, syrups, and slush powders?

To help baristas easily calculate costs, here is the standard reference for 16oz drinks:

  • 🥄 3-in-1 Powder: One bag contains ~66 scoops, yielding 22 cups. (1 flat scoop ≈ 15g)
  • 🍯 Syrup: One bottle yields approximately 50 cups. (~25g per cup)
  • 🍧 Slush Powder: Use 1/3 scoop for a standard 16oz slush; use 2/3 scoop for a richer, customized version.

What is the flavor difference between your different Taro or Brown Sugar products?

We have developed different flavor profiles to suit various customer preferences:

  • 🍠 Taro Series: 'Premium Taro Powder' has a very strong taro aroma (for hardcore taro fans); 'Classic Taro Powder' is milkier and smoother.
  • 🍯 Brown Sugar Series: 'Regular Brown Sugar Syrup' is highly sweet and best for soaking pearls; 'Tiger Brown Sugar' has a rich caramel aroma and a thick texture, making it the perfect weapon for "wall-coating" Brown Sugar Boba Milk!
  • 🍓 Syrup vs. Jam: Syrups contain 3% fruit puree, perfect for refreshing Fruit Teas; Jams retain a lot of fruit pulp, making them ideal for blending into Slushes for added texture.

We are planning to update our seasonal menu. Do you provide full-ratio drink recipes?

Yes, we do! We are your dedicated R&D backup team. We have compiled the perfect ratios, operational steps, and creative formulas for all our best-selling drinks in the official Hojalicious Recipe Hub.

👉 Click here to visit the Hojalicious Recipe Hub for inspiration

(💡 If you need a unique menu tailored specifically for your local market to stand out from competitors, you are welcome to book our 1-on-1 Consulting Service!)

Orders & Shipping

What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) and delivery schedule for my area?

We have dedicated delivery fleets for different regions. Please refer to our Delivery Schedule Chart for specific days! To help you quickly budget, here are the basic MOQs by region:

  • 📍 NY Core: Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens start at just $200 MOQ with multiple delivery days per week.
  • 📍 Outer NY: Long Island $400-$1000; Staten Island & Bronx $600.
  • 📍 Tri-State & Upstate: New Jersey $400-$1800; Pennsylvania $700-$3000; Upstate NY $1700-$3200.

(💡 Actual MOQs may slightly adjust based on your exact Zip Code. The system will automatically calculate the best shipping plan at checkout.)

Can I pick up my order directly from your warehouse? Is there a discount?

Yes, and we highly recommend it! If you select "Warehouse Pick-up" at checkout, your entire order will receive an extra 2% discount! You are welcome to drive to our NY main warehouse to load your goods anytime. Not only do you save time waiting for delivery, but you also earn a solid profit margin back.

What should I do if I urgently need an ingredient, but it shows "Out of Stock" on the website?

Please utilize the 'Notify Me' feature on the product page!

  1. Simply click the 'Notify Me' button on the out-of-stock product page and leave your email. The system will alert you the exact moment our warehouse restocks!
  2. If your store urgently needs an alternative ingredient to survive the rush, please click the live chat button in the bottom right corner and select "Contact Support." Our sales rep will immediately recommend an alternative product with a similar flavor profile.

Can I still order from you if my store is NOT in NY / NJ / PA?

Absolutely! We have dedicated local teams across multiple states. If your store is located in Florida (FL), VA/MD/DC/NC, or the CT/MA/RI/VT/ME/NH region, we have exclusive local distributors providing the fastest local delivery and pick-up services.

👉 Please click the chat box in the bottom right corner, select your state, and we will instantly connect you with your dedicated local sales rep!

Consulting & Training

What bar training courses does Boba Guru offer? What are the costs and attendee limits?

We offer both "Online" and "Offline In-Person" premium training tailored to your store's needs, complete with incredible Store Credit rewards!
To help you stand out from chain brands, we provide hands-on guidance to build your unique menu:

  1. 💻 Online Remote Training ($600): Unlimited attendees, perfect for out-of-state clients. Includes a physical toolkit upon registration. After completing the course, you get $300 Store Credit back.
  2. 🏢 Offline In-Person Training (From $800): Hands-on instruction at our professional bar, limited to a maximum of 4 people (+$200 for each additional person). Best of all, the offline tuition fee is "fully" converted into Store Credit, making the training essentially free!

How do I use the "Store Credit" mentioned in the training courses?

This is Boba Guru's real investment in your business! The Store Credit you earn will be deposited directly into your website account. The next time you shop for any ingredients (like boba, syrups, teas, etc.) on our site, the system will automatically deduct this amount at checkout.
(💡 In other words, the tuition you pay turns right back into the raw materials that make your store money!)

If I only want to fine-tune my "current menu pain points," can I book a 1-on-1 consultant?

Yes! Our expert consulting team is always on standby for you. Whether you're struggling with "undercooked pearls," "high fruit tea costs," or "developing seasonal specials," you can book our 1-on-1 Consulting Service.

💡 Booking Note: Please book at least one day in advance. Our consulting team guarantees to provide initial solutions and recommendations within one hour of receiving your request.

How do I sign up for a training course or book a consulting session?

It's very easy and only takes a few minutes:

Ordering & Product Specs

Do I have to buy a full case?

No. Most ingredients are sold both ways — order a single bottle or bag to trial a flavour, then move to the case once it earns a place on your menu. Equipment, tools and most disposables are sold as single items or as one fixed case.

How long do the ingredients keep?

Both shelf life and storage conditions vary by product. Each product page states the shelf life and the storage requirements for that item, and the date is printed on the packaging.

Are Boba Guru and Hojalicious the same company?

No — we are two businesses that work together. Boba Guru is the authorized Hojalicious wholesale distributor for New York, so you are buying the same product lines either way.

What ordering through us adds is local: regional delivery routes, warehouse pickup in Woodside, Queens, and a dedicated sales rep who knows your menu — plus bar training for new shops and custom OEM solutions for your own label. More on how we work is on the about page.