How to sell bees. Please help

[warts]

Hi All

I have two hives, enjoy them very much, but do not want more. Last year (and year before) gave some bees away rather than build up more hives. I am starting to be the laughing stock of my friends ("what given them away, why not sell them?"), particularly after they hear how, how can I put it...how careful beekeepers are with their money. And to be honest it does seem a good point (especially as I may lose my job in a few weeks time if I am unlucky). So here is my question (s):

If each of my two hives show signs of swarming, and I need to take action to 'sell' the surplus bees (and queen obviously). How do I go about selling them? Do I advertise locally and see if they want to provide their own hive parts, move the bees over, and then call them back to collect them, or do I supply the hardware as well (and therefore cost in the kit)? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance (and sorry for long email)

Sally

ps I do not really want to 'make' money, but covering cost of time & effort would be good. Also, in the past I have not given any away until I have known the new queen was laying (and also to check that new bees aren't grumpy...as I wouldn't want to hand over unpleasant bees)...so when would be the best time to advertise I have some bees to sell?

 

[drstitson]

buy/make cheap ply nucs (or buy poly nucs from paynes). wait for swarm cells. take frame with a cell plus a couple of other frames of brood amd stores out into nuc. sell nuc once queen laying.

 

[darren64]

how much should we ask for a 5 frame nuc?I've seen some companies selling them for £175

 

[drstitson]

depends upon quality of stock and demand i suppose.

 

[warts]

Thank you. I wondered about buying poly nuc hives as a possible 'selling them in a box' approach (thanks drstiton ). Would ideally like to build ply ones, but would be horrified if my poor (and I do mean poor) woodworking skills lead to escapees and possibly car crash (but will work on this). In terms of price, £175 seems a bit high given that I am new-ish to all this and could be selling them a dummy so-to-speak (though a good yardstick for me darren64). I mean, the feedback from one lot given away is that they are doing very well, but though I think my bees are healthy, doesn't mean to say that they actually are (so a good point, and one I am very conscious of). Let us say I bought some of the poly hives (i think around £27 after looking), and then added the frames...would £80-ish be OK assuming demand is there? Still seems a little high, what do you think?

Sally

 

[warts]

...would £80-ish be OK assuming demand is there? Still seems a little high, what do you think?

Sally[/QUOTE]


Actually, this does seem a little high...what about £70? Ye, gods...better not go into sales. I would be utterly pants!!!

 

[Nellie]

£80 for a nuc of bees (minus the box) is cheap at the moment.

The BBKA produce a reasonable set of guidelines for producing (or buying) nucs, if you search "Nucleus Hive Guidelines" it should be the 3rd link down.

 

[Dishmop]

Thank you. I wondered about buying poly nuc hives as a possible 'selling them in a box' approach (thanks drstiton ). Would ideally like to build ply ones, but would be horrified if my poor (and I do mean poor) woodworking skills lead to escapees and possibly car crash (but will work on this). In terms of price, £175 seems a bit high given that I am new-ish to all this and could be selling them a dummy so-to-speak (though a good yardstick for me darren64). I mean, the feedback from one lot given away is that they are doing very well, but though I think my bees are healthy, doesn't mean to say that they actually are (so a good point, and one I am very conscious of). Let us say I bought some of the poly hives (i think around £27 after looking), and then added the frames...would £80-ish be OK assuming demand is there? Still seems a little high, what do you think?

Sally

If you had the poly nuc boxes you could ask the buyer for a deposit on the grounds that they send/give it back......(lightweight to post) Cheaper for them....

 

[Dishmop]

£80 for a nuc of bees (minus the box) is cheap at the moment.

I saw some on a site the other day at or just under £200 "because the government has increased the tax"

 

[theengraver]

Hi
Sally in poly nucs the correct price would be £150 each
when you get bombarded by PMs saying they will buy them for 70 to £80 you tell them
the 5 frames in a brand new poly nuc £150 stick to your guns!!

 

[Nellie]

Bonkers isn't it? Still, if people are prepared to pay it...

 

[Easy Beesy]

hi warts
our local association will be selling nucs at £70 for 3 frames, £80 for 4 frames and £90 for 5 frame so that's a good guide. FP sell corrugated cardboard nucs for about a tenner so a nice round £100 for a correx nuc box and laying queen with 5 frames will be snapped up. Make it either collection or close delivery only so you can see (and vet) prospective 'parents'. I only wish I was closer, I'd have them all! Best of luck with your business venture

Easyb

 

[VEG]

3 frames is too small.

 

[MuswellMetro]

Hi All

Do I advertise locally and see if they want to provide their own hive parts, move the bees over, and then call them back to collect them, or do I supply the hardware as well (and therefore cost in the kit)? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

i would advertise them on the Nucs for sale part of this forum, you are a forum supporter and are allow to adverts them there

make sure the Q is laying and advertise them for what other at that time on the forum as asking for similar, 4 or five frames depending how they devlop



i would say £80-100 to a local BKA member, £90-£140 on this forum as £140 -£220 apears to be the retail rate

 

[drstitson]

why don't you nip down to the lincoln auction tomorrow and get an idea of what is for sale and how much they go for.

 

[Mike a]

Hi
Sally in poly nucs the correct price would be £150 each
when you get bombarded by PMs saying they will buy them for 70 to £80 you tell them
the 5 frames in a brand new poly nuc £150 stick to your guns!!

If your unsure how to make up a nuc then plenty of info on this site or others, but dont sell yourself short. Minimum should be £150 or more if you buy a brand new nuc to sell them in. Consider the cost of replacing the frames and foundation you will lose.

PS How many private messages have you received so far?

 

[tonybloke]

3 frames is too small.

if nat's maybe, but what about on other formats?

 

[Skyhook]

5 frame nuc, new queen established, bees of proven temperament... Sounds as good as anything you'd get elsewhere unless they're a particular pedigree- and most bees aren't. If you're at all concerned about disease, get the inspector to come and see your apiary... that's what he's there for!

 

[Skyhook]

PS selling on frames also an option- ie you place the frames in the new owners hive, then take the nuc box home with you for next time.

 

[fredbloggs]

Two colonys is a tight margin to operate on (as opposed to "keep"?)

If i were you, I would raise the nuc myself as insurance against colony loss. Next season, I'd sell the (surplus) colony to Fredbloggs ( for £50 including new poly box and frames and delivery)

or (sensible head on now) maybe you could keep it and raise two nucs......sell one - raise one. Next season.....?

And that is where the rot sets in!

Quote = " i dont want anymore bees" .... ? Sound familiar anyone?

Regards


FB