Forgive if this question has been endlessly covered before but Google
search sucks wind indexing this newsgroup (try a search on this group
for either Yixing or Zisha).

I am at the point in my tea consumption of buying some Yixing teapots.
I have purchased three from www.yixing.com (a traditional design, a
circular design, and a dragon design). These were non-ornate 200-400ml
pots in the $40 range. Each came with a nice box with the CIB import
sticker. At that price, I didn't expect a certificate of authenticity
(and didn't get one). However even with chopmarks on the pot, there is
no guarantee the teapots are really zisha or even come from Yi Xing.
But I am satisfied with the purchase and one pot is used with pu-erh
and another with oolongs.

I quickly discovered important variations which will make me more
discerning about future purchases (internal strainer, large enough
pouring hole in the spout, teapot volume, properly fitting lid). Which
brings the questions.

What is the usual price range for similar but "common" Yixing teapots?
With emphasis on producing better tea than for collectability or
resale, how much does price affect the taste of the brewed tea? What
companies enjoy a reputation for their common wares and for their more
ornate wares? (And why do so many company omit the capacity of the
teapot in their description?) Any other issues of which I should know?

Thanks!

cdv