FAQ

For your convenience, our most common customer questions are answered right here.

If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for reach out to us directly through our Contact Us page.  We will reply within 24 hours.  Guaranteed.

Q: Why should I buy my herbs and spices from you?

A: Black River Spice & Tea selects the best quality imports to sell to our customers.  We also look for the most recent shipments which helps to extend the shelf life of your purchase.  Our herbs and spices are bought and kept in their wholest available form to maximize freshness.  For example, all of our black pepper, allspice and yellow mustard are stocked as peppercorns, berries and seeds.  If you order any of them ground you can be assured that they were freshly ground the day before you receive them.  That is one of several ways that we use to preserve the fullest flavor profiles for our products.

Q: Are your spice rubs and seasoning blends the same as the ones I buy now?

A: Black River Spice & Tea produces its own blends of all of the favorite seasonings and rubs.  There may be some variations from the major manufacturers but we are happy to provide a sample for you to try before you buy.  In this way you can see if your preparation with our spice is to your liking.  We do not stock any of the name brands; only our own, and our version is carefully researched and tested to bring you an authentic flavor.  So if you like a name brand Montreal Steak Seasoning or Old Bay we have our own blends that are the same or similar.  We can also custom modify any blend we make.  If that chipotle steak rub you buy from us now is too hot, or not hot enough, we can make you a custom blend.

Q: How fresh are your dried herbs & spices?

A: We consider the time of year when a spice is imported and from where it comes when we buy.  Herbs and spices are harvested at different times during the year.  For example, buying Egyptian Caraway in May will ensure that it was last year’s harvest.  Buying in September however, will increase our chances that we can find harvests that have been recently imported.  Conversely, Indian dill bought in May is likely to be the most current harvest.  Dried herbs and spices, when stored properly, can last a very long time.  Improper storage can result in an inedible product.  We would rather buy them before they had time to sit in a warehouse and store them ourselves using our own hermetic storage methods keeping heat and moisture away.

Q: Do you process the herbs and spices you buy?

A: Yes, we buy sterilized product to ensure that it is free from biological contaminates.  We inspect each shipment we get for extraneous matter and separate any impurities not otherwise removed previously.  We retain the product in its most whole form and only toast, grind and blend to order.  We strive to ensure that you get the freshest prepared spices, blends, seasonings and rubs we can.

Q: How can I buy from you?

A: Firstly, we only sell to food service businesses like restaurants, delis, caterers, bakeries, prepared food manufacturers, institutional cafeterias, cooking schools, grocers/ retailers, etc.  Next, if you are a business you must create an account to gain access to our current pricing.  Account holders can order by phone or by using our online order form.  When you create an account we will need 24 hours to process your request.  At that time you will receive a response with your new account information or an inquiry about the information you provided.   It is important that your account information is current, valid and accurate.

Q: Do you deliver?

A: Yes, we deliver to Morris, Warren, Somerset, Mercer, Sussex and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey.  We can also deliver to parts of Eastern PA.  We try to keep it to within 35 miles drive from Oldwick, NJ.  We can deliver to more distant locations but the orders have to be substantially larger than our minimums.  Inquire about it on our Contact Us  page.  We can discuss your delivery location and what you are looking to order.

Q: Do you ship your orders?

A: Yes, we do ship using common carrier.  You will first need to create an account .  After that you can place your order on-line and we will call you to confirm your order and get your credit card information.  Because our pricing is wholesale we will not accept wholesale orders under $500.00.  We will add the cost of shipping to your order before charging your card.  If you need to know what the shipping cost will be please inquire on our Contact Us  page.  We will provide an estimated cost of shipping.  We will do our best to use the most way economical shipping.

Q: What do you charge for delivery?

A: Our rates are pretty reasonable and are based on miles driven.  The first 5 miles are free delivery.  After that we start to charge a standard rate of 72₵ a mile up until 25 miles.  After 25 miles and up to 35 miles the rate is $1.20 per mile.  Past 35 miles distance you must arrange to pick up your order unless it is large enough for us to ship by carrier.  We also round up the mileage when calculating delivery rates.

Q: Can I pick up my order?

A: Our current zoning permit does not allow for customers to do transactions at our facility.  No exceptions. However we can arrange to meet you at a pick up location near us.  You must check the pick up check-box when you place your order on-line so we can call you to arrange a time and nearby location where we can do the transaction.

Q: When will I get my order?

A: If you place your order BEFORE 12:00 PM (noon), it should be ready for arranged pick-up by 10:30 AM the next day if it is a small order.  If it is scheduled for delivery you will get your order by 5:30 PM the next day (except for orders placed on Saturdays). Larger orders and orders with custom blended seasonings can take two or more days depending on how extensive the order is and how many blends must be made. Please remember that all of our products are “made to order” and therefore take time to process.  Same day processing comes with a premium charge and you must call (908) 236-6700  by 10:00 AM to arrange for it.

Q: What are the terms of payment?

A: We require that you pay COD (by credit card, debit card, check or cash).  Orders can be billed net 30 days from delivery once you have establish a credit line with us; go to Contact Us or call to request details.  A late fee can be imposed for past due payments.

Q: What is the minimum order for local wholesale purchases herbs, spices and teas?

A: Whether you pick-up or if we deliver, the minimums for our herbs and spices are the same.  For herbs, spices, seasonings etc. the minimum order is $250.00. 

Q: What are your business hours?

A: We are open on M-F from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.  We are open on Saturdays from 9:00AM to 12:00PM.  We do not deliver on Saturdays.

Q: What do I do if I have any questions?

A: You can call us at (908) 236-6700 or send us a message using our contact page.