western bee supplies

T.Smith · February 14, 2009, 09:49:46 PM

Has anyone ordered supplies from these people. I tried their website and could not find anything. I was just wondering about the quality of their products. Thanks

Brian D. Bray · February 14, 2009, 10:07:23 PM

Quote from: T.Smith on February 14, 2009, 09:49:46 PM
Has anyone ordered supplies from these people. I tried their website and could not find anything. I was just wondering about the quality of their products. Thanks

I just recieved an shipment from them they had 5 medium supers, 50 frames, and 50 sheets of foundation on sale for $80.00. These are the only people I order hive bodies from. They make a lot of the equipment that other suppliers sell as their own. Dadant I believe is one.
They will build to desired size but you might have to wait a little longer in that case.
When I called they didn't have 8 frames boxes in 13 7/8 but I told them 13 3/4 was fine and so they sent that. When I get the same deal with 8 frames that they offer with the 10 frames (50/50 deal) I usually order another super as 50 frames fills 6 8 framers instead of the 5 10 framers.

Their website can be a little tricky to use as you need to click on one of the words on the left side of the home page to get into it and they don't hang a flag on it. You can call them. I usually just call. Their shipping is a lot less for me, being in Washington, than the other suppliers. Western Bee is still cheaper than Mann Lake when ML ships from its Chico, CA plant.

Utah · February 14, 2009, 10:50:59 PM

I have used Western Bee. Yes, their web site is a bit tricky and the photos are either not on the web site or are hard to see what you are getting.

Having said that, they have some of the best prices if you are willing to put things together yourself. Even with the shipping, Western Bee is a very good price. One thing to consider if you buy lots of hive parts is that the wood may warp wuickly if the bokes are not built right away. I made the mistake of waiting several weeks to build a few hive bodies last time. Wont do that again.

Call them and they will put you on their mailing list for a catalog. I was sent the 2006-2007 catalog recently which I assume they have not raised their prices since that time. The catalog is lots better than the web site to see what the products are. Their phone number is 1-800-548-8440.

I like them and wish I could find others that wanted to order with me to save on shipping.

genecot · February 15, 2009, 07:49:11 AM

I have bought from them several times ovr the years, and like them very much. However; I tried to access their website and could'nt

T.Smith · February 15, 2009, 05:10:28 PM

Thank Yall I am ordering some stuff monday.

poka-bee · February 16, 2009, 12:10:45 AM

I used them last year & they were great. They didn't have telescoping for 8frm tho, just the migratory. I think they had the best price on frames too, I will probably be ordering more of those. Their shipping was more affordable & if you can get a business to accept your shipment & then get it from them it will save you the extra lift fee or whatever it is. This year I had Stedmens make em, we met at the Tacoma Dome so only spent $4 in gas! :-D

lakeman · February 16, 2009, 10:18:22 AM

Quote from: genecot on February 15, 2009, 07:49:11 AM
I have bought from them several times ovr the years, and like them very much. However; I tried to access their website and could'nt

Go here http://72.4.160.253/westernbee.com/search.html

Michael Bush · February 16, 2009, 12:26:49 PM

I've been buying from them since sometime in the late 70s or early 80's. Seems like recently their web site disappears from time to time. But they have always been pretty reliable.

steveb · February 17, 2009, 08:02:16 PM

I buy from them in fairly large quatities several times a year as I build hives for people. They said their website is being rebuilt. It has never been very functional. They are about 6 weeks out right now as this is their busy time of year. They will often process small orders quicker if they can slip it in between the big guys.

Utah: To prevent warping of your wood when it is sitting around try storing it in a humidity and temperature controlled room. I keep mine in an unfinished basement without any problem. Never let it see sunlight or heat until it is assembled.

genecot · February 17, 2009, 11:22:32 PM

:) thank you Lakeman that worked

Brian D. Bray · February 18, 2009, 12:09:24 AM

I just visted the new Western Bee website and it looks a lot different than previously. It should be a little easier to navigate the site but it's currently lacking pictorial information. I would imagine that that will change in the near future.

steveb · February 18, 2009, 04:29:38 PM

That link to Western Bee seems to be a holding place for the old website. It is dated and I don't see any changes. I have been told that they are getting a new website so I would expect one that is better and not a rehash of the old one.
Steve