How much should I charge

BAStallard · June 03, 2008, 11:02:57 AM

I was asked to purchase and maintain some hives for someone on their property, how much should I charge them?

Moonshae · June 03, 2008, 11:10:12 AM

Is there anything in it for you other than reimbursement for expenses and labor?

Double the cost of the equipment (including shipping) as your labor fee for assembly, etc. Then charge as much as you can per hour to set up and maintain the hives. Talk to your local club's sideliners and fulltimers and see what they pay hired help, and increase that a bit, since you'll be in charge of it all.

KONASDAD · June 03, 2008, 11:29:35 AM

I'm not sure I follow you. He is buying hives and bees? You are? They are yours on his property? If your only the labor, charge what you think he would pay by the hour, or season etc. If this is your best opportunity to keep bees, you migt just do it for the experience. depends on a lot of factors.

BAStallard · June 03, 2008, 11:33:38 AM

I'm not getting anything else out of it. Should I charge for gas? It's about a 20 mile drive

BAStallard · June 03, 2008, 11:36:35 AM

He wants to buy the bees and put them on his property, and he wants me maintain and set them up for him.

Vetch · June 03, 2008, 11:41:04 AM

You might want to 'share-crop' the honey if you think it is a good spot.

Pollinators for almonds, citrus and other crops charge $100-$150 per hive, and they keep the honey.

doak · June 03, 2008, 11:47:44 AM

I would take the deal for 50% of the honey.
I would have it understood any loss of bees wouldn't fall on me.
Swarm loss or otherwise.
Best I can do. Fair deal.
doak

KONASDAD · June 03, 2008, 11:48:34 AM

If he lets you do some splits and stuff from his bees, it might have some real value. Keep excess honey etc. Also, he might give up down the road and you'll be in cat-bird seat for the equipment and bees. If he just wants some pollination, he should rent.

BAStallard · June 03, 2008, 12:03:45 PM

He just wants them for pollination, but he likes to own stuff I guess, but I will recommend he rents, I like the idea of doing the job for 50% of the honey, but I wouldn't get much the first year. If he was a friend I would do it for free but I don't know him very well.

doak · June 03, 2008, 12:58:20 PM

If he isn't willing to put something on paper and you don't know him very well. I'd let it ride.
Could end up being more trouble "for you" than it's worth.
My 2 bits. :)doak

marliah · June 03, 2008, 01:00:09 PM

Quote from: doak on June 03, 2008, 11:47:44 AM
I would take the deal for 50% of the honey.
I would have it understood any loss of bees wouldn't fall on me.
Swarm loss or otherwise.
Best I can do. Fair deal.
doak

*agrees* I wouldn't do it if I didn't get at least some honey out of the deal ;) and certianly let him know losses are not your fault.