Unassembles kits

[Haraga]

Where is the best place to buy unassembled hive kits?  Which ones should I stay away from? Thanks in advance.

[kathyp]

are you talking about things like boxes and frames?  for me, shipping is  the big factor.  i either wait for a no shipping cost sale, or order from someone close (mann lake) to keep the cost down.  as for best and worst, i have no complaints about the places i have used, but  i use mann lake the most.

[BjornBee]

kathy is right. I also buy from local suppliers or coordinate my purchases with suppliers attending the state functions or other seminars where there are vendors. Pre-order, and they are usually happy to bring along an order to the meeting. Shipping is a real factor. I don't know of any supplier that is bad enough to not get free shipping or delivered to me at no cost.

[tedlemay]

Personally i like Russells Apairies and Mann Lake

[Intheswamp]

Ditto on what folks have said....shipping costs can be prohibitive if you have much of anything shipped....wood gets heavy if you pile up much of it.   Being in Alberta I'm not sure which suppliers here in the states would be good for you.  I strongly suggest you contact some local beekeepers and ask for some help/information in locating a source for your equipment.

Most "beginner kits" have things that you don't need in them and maybe don't have what you do need.  Michael Bush has a good list somewhere about what isn't so good about a "kit"...maybe he'll speak up soon.

Here are some links that might help you:

http://www.albertabeekeepers.org/

Note, on February 7-8, 2012 the Alberta Beekeepers 10th Annual IPM Symposium in Edmonton, Alberta will be held.  I don't know if that's near enough for you or not.  If you could make that one I'm sure there are probably vendors that will be there and than can deliver your order to you there at no charge.  Here is a link to a pdf pertaining to that meeting: 

http://www.albertabeekeepers.org/documents/2012JanuaryBeekeepingForTheFuture.pdf

Check the Alberta Beekeepers website out, it has a good bit of contact information there.

Best wishes,
Ed

[Bee Busters]

try to find your local beekeeping association.  You may find someone who has equipment locally to get rid of, or if they are placing a large order, include your order with theirs.  sometimes one of the members will make a run to pick up supplies which saves everyone shipping costs.

[gardeningfireman]

I have a 2011 catalog from Beeline Apiaries and Woodenware. I haven't ordered from them yet, but their prices are the best I've seen. They also figure out actual shipping costs so you don't overpay. I will order from them this year.

[Vance G]

Anyone buying a kit is admitting that they just don't know what they need to keep bees.  Suppliers get a big grin on their face and jack up the price three times when people say "HERES MY SIGN"!!   You need boxes of your chosen demension depending on how much weight you want to lift and how much money you have to spend.  It costs more to supply space for bees in small boxes mainly because frames and foundation are about the same price for any size.  Build your own bottom boards and covers.  Simple plans are everywhere.  You don't need an inner cover, a queen excluder or a hive stand out of one of those catalogs!  Cinder blocks are everywhere and pallets are thrown away everywhere.  Keep it simple and know that kit means KICK HERE!