Bee Ordering Procedures

Ordering and Delivery Procedures for Package bees.

Our packages include 1.5kg of bees in a non-returnable box, with a mated laying queen supplied separately at the same time.

  • Queenless booster packages (1.5kg without queen) are available at a discounted rate (equivalent to the price of the queen).
  • Our prices are Trade Rates.
  • Purchasers are advised to order these as early as possible as demand always exceeds supply.

Ordering and Supply Details:

  • Minimum Order: 10 packages (can be shared), and buyer MUST agree to the drop off process. Orders from resellers are welcome.
  • Delivery: Direct delivery is only possible with a minimum order of 200 packages. Otherwise, bees are transported under our direct care, with handover at a designated motorway service station.
  • Deposit Required: Secure your order with a deposit and to get your name on the list. This will be refunded if we are unable to supply.
  • Drop off Route: When placing an order for a specific week, please be aware of the route we take for drop-offs. The bees remain in our own transport under our direct supervision until they are handed over to you.

Process:

  1. Decide which week that you prefer to receive the bees.
  2. Decide on the number of packages you require then reserve by phone (07736 115559) or on our website shop and pay your deposit.
  3. Nominate your preferred queen type (Jolanta or Buckfast) and handover location. This will be a motorway service station on the selected route.
  4. We will confirm your order and scheduled delivery week. Please note that delivery can be impacted by weather. You will be given final confirmation on location of handover.
  5. One week before delivery, you’ll receive an update on the shipping date and handover location.
  6. Balances are due 7 days before handover (variation to this by prior arrangement only).

Handover and Updates:

  • Progress updates will be emailed 7 days before the trip starts.
  • You’ll be notified as the bees make their way to you, with accurate arrival times provided as the trip progresses.
  • Ensure you’re available at the handover point to receive the bees, regardless of the time of day.

Please be aware that the first few drop-off points will be given a reasonably accurate rendezvous time. Those further down the list will receive an approximate time, with firmer updates as the trip progresses. Delays can occur due to traffic conditions or late arrivals at earlier drops. Please wait for a realistic estimate before heading to the handover point. 

The team making the delivery will keep you updated via your contact details (preferably mobile phone), especially regarding significant changes, and will provide a firm arrival estimate once earlier drops are completed. You will also be provided with the team’s contact number.

Important Notes:

  • We operate at any hour to ensure the bees remain fresh, so it’s essential that you are prepared to meet us at any time, day or night. Rest assured, you will receive sufficient notice in advance.
  • At the handover point, you will receive the correct number of boxes, with the queens provided in a separate box.
  • Extra queens, if ordered, will be given to you at handover or sent to your address.
  • The handover process is very time-sensitive to ensure the bees are delivered in good condition. It’s important to be at the handover point as agreed, allowing us to complete the process quickly. Our haste is not out of impoliteness; we simply need to move on to the next drop. We’re happy to chat at other times.
  • As these packages contain queens specially raised for us in Italy (click HERE for more info), we keep detailed records of their destinations. Upon request, and for valid reasons, we provide this information to the NBU or your local equivalent. This process is fully transparent and compliant.

Cancellation and Refunds:

Once you place an order, we immediately begin preparing your bees and packaging, which incurs some costs. The deposit covers these expenses. However, if you need to cancel, the following policies apply:

  • 1 month or more before handover: 90% refund.
    If we can place them with another client then a 100% refund will be made.
  • 1 month to 7 days before handover: 50% refund.
  • 7 days or less: Deposit non-refundable.

Simplified Process:

  1. Decide your needs (number, type, handover point) and place your order.
  2. Pay the deposit.
  3. Receive updates near the delivery date.
  4. Pay the balance.
  5. Learn the handover time.
  6. Meet us as arranged and collect your bees.

Packaged Bees

Queens

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Safe Introduction Procedures

Denrosa Apiaries provides comprehensive instructions for installing your bees upon delivery, ensuring that your colony is set up correctly for optimal health and success. Their guidelines cover everything from recommended hive setup to best practices for introducing bees, helping both novice and experienced beekeepers achieve the best results.

Click Here For instructions on safe introduction procedures
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