Im crazy I know, want to be a supplier

[Shanevrr]

I know this is a lot to ask, but was wondering if you guys would help me open a business as a local bee supplier.  There is only one far away that I know of.  I just want local business, No shipping. nothing big.  Just need some suppliers and advise.  We have the perfect location lots of traffic. I want to call it Valley Bee Supply, I feel I can help the environment and make this a more popular hobby, plus make a little money

[iddee]

It's only 121 mile down hwy. 29 to Dadant in Chatham, Va. Do you think there are enough beeks that are closer to you than they are to Dadant or Brushy in Pa. to keep your business going? If so, Brushy will set you up as a distributor.

[hankdog1]

Have to say distributor would be the way to go.  The investment alone to make all the boxes and stuff is staggering.  You got the idea though the best way to make money off of beekeeping is to sell equipment.

[Shanevrr]

i will sell everything and buy any inventory i need,  my other businesses can support me until i get it going. I will give it a shot, nothing to lose really.

[2kooldad]

i want to do something like that as well...doc told me to find a job i like instead of the one i have..lol..i figure i love my bees (even when they take a piece of my hide) what a great job having something to do with honeybees all the time...it would be tough but if ya love what ya do......

[hankdog1]

Sounds like if your mind is made up it's time to go see a lawyer make up a business plan and sell your soul to the banker for an SBA loan.  The latter should be avoided if possible as I've lost sleep and hair over and SBA loan I never got.   :-D

[AllenF]

Geez, a loan in todays market?    You will still be waiting come Christmas.   Commercial loans are terrible to get now.

[hankdog1]

They were hard to get your hands on 5 or 6 years ago I got tired of jumping through hoops and decided to make the move without any help at least everything is paid for.

[caticind]

You sound like you've made up your mind, but I'd still say try being a distributor first!

There's a Brushy distributor near me who does good business and also sells packages (from GA) and his own queens and honey.  He gets to pocket the difference between wholesale and retail pricing on the Brushy items, and because shipping is so steep for heavy things like woodenware people drive from all over the state to visit him rather than order direct from his or any other supplier.  Since he gives great customer service, it's win-win for everyone.

Consider trying being a distributor before you sink a lot of your own money into it.  You would be able to judge the demand in your area and get a boost from a known name to build up a customer list before setting out on your own.

[Shanevrr]

I havent forgot about this, its still in the works.  almost got everything in order.  When you guys mean distributor, you mean from someone like brushy mountain,  right? 

I dont need a loan lol.  so dont need to worry about that stuff.  already have the road frontage, with lots of traffic, space for retail display and shop for assembly.

I keep you guys updated

[AllenF]

Ya brushy, or western for boxes.  Just gets me thinking.  Web site, catalog, FIN, sales tax, business license, insurance, fire marshals and county inspections on the store front, shipping, forklifts, trucks, warehouse, shelving, signage, advertising, stupid employees, .............I could go on.    Makes me feel wore out thinking about it.  Keep us updated.  I really would like to hear just how it really goes (easier/better than what I am thinking).

[Shanevrr]

lol allen,  but I allready have all that.  I employee 8. Have most of what I need so far.  But any help or suggestions would be cool also.

[caticind]

Yeah, if you have the infrastructure, consider reaching out to one of the big players, like Brushy Mountain.  Find out if they'd like to have you as a distributor.  Meaning that your company can buy from them at wholesale prices and sell to the public at retail.  They do this with a LOT of small companies and it's a good way to build up some revenue by borrowing a name and catalogue instead of having to develop your own product line from scratch.  If you have a product or two of your own, you can sell them right along-side.

[BeeMaster2]

Consider contacting http://www.nabeehive.com/. Ask for Mike at 904 378-5006. Mike started up this company a little over a year ago when the housing market crashed and produces all of the wooden ware. Some of it his own design. He ships all over the country and he backs up what he sells. He is also the president of our Bee Club and is doing a fantastic job.
Good luck.

[Shanevrr]

yes ive talked to mike from nabeehive but there dealer mileage range is too much and i got someone to close to me.  Ive called Brushy and I hope they approve me,  all my hives came from them and there good quality.  Ive called a place from Florida Hardwood suggested and they were not much help as ive called several times to get application, and nothing.  I guess there to busy....no affense HW.

I got business license today,  had to go through some zoning crap but gotter done. 

[VolunteerK9]

I once loved to work horses. I plowed with them, mowed hay with them, snaked out logs with them, etc. I had 3 teams-belgians mostly with a team of black Percherons. I then went to Farrier school in Oklahoma and quit my job to start working for myself as a full time Farrier. Long story short, I now cannot stand to even look at a horse much less do anything with one. After turning my hobby into a profession, it lost any ability to be my avenue of escape. I hope that this doesnt do the same for your new found hobby of beekeeping. Best of luck to ya!

[Shanevrr]

it will not supplement my other profession,  its something i can do with my empty space with my commercial property.  I tried to open a sams hotdog stand and they wouldn't approve it lol, so this is my next idea.lol.......i think it will be a fun adventure