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Guide to Packaged Bees 2024

Thank you for your order of Packaged Bees for the 2024 season!

We have put together the following guide to ensure that you are fully prepared and know what to expect the day you pick-up your package of bees.  We do not ship or deliver packaged bees.

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Pick Up Address

The Bee Box

4765 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819

Step 1: Supplies

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Ensure you plan in advance to purchase your super, top board, bottom board, frames, and feeder. Additionally, you may feel more comfortable working with your bees if you have a hat, veil, gloves, and/or a beekeepers suit. Any other supplies can be purchased at a later date.  It is highly encouraged that you make an advanced purchase of any supplies you might need day of, as we will have hundreds of people also looking for the same items.

Online purchases may be reserved in advance and picked up the day you pick up your bees: simply shop, choose "Store Pickup" at checkout and make a note of your pickup day in the comments section before completing your purchase.  On the day of pick-up, we will have your order ready for you, making the whole process a breeze. You may also call in reservation orders, or stop by the store anytime before your pick-up date.  The majority of our beekeeping supplies are not shown on our website.  Please call if you have any questions.

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Step 2: What to Bring on Pick-Up Day

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On the pick-up date, you will need to bring a copy of your photo I.D., a valid payment method if you have a remaining balance on your account, and an optional spray bottle filled with a mixture of half pure cane sugar and half water.

The photo I.D. is necessary to validate your order and we will not be releasing any packaged bees without a photo I.D.

A valid payment method is only necessary if you put down a deposit on your bees and have not paid the remainder of the balance. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in advance, you can by clicking here, calling the store at 916-475-1828, or by stopping into the storefront at 4765 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819.  To speed up the pick up process we require full payment prior to pick up unless previously arranged.

The spray bottle filled with a mixture of 50% pure cane sugar and 50% water will be used to nourish your bees while they are in the package, and will act as a way to calm them right before installation.

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Step 3: Remaining Balance

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The remaining balance for each package is $75.00. If you put down a deposit for 2 or more packages, you will need to pay the remaining balance of each hive in order to be fully paid up. You can pay the remaining balance here. Additionally you can call the store, stop by the store in advance.  Remaining balance must be paid prior to scheduling your pick up date.  Note that by opting to pay the remaining balance on the day of pick-up, you will increase your wait time to pick-up your bees.

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Step 4: Pick-Up Day Process

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The Bee Box storefront is located at 4765 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819 - it is on the corner of J Street and 48th in East Sacramento. It is recommend that when you arrive, you park in the back parking lot (access on 48th street). This will make it much easier to transport your bees to your car, since street parking can be tricky.  You will enter the store via the front door (located on J street.)

Please ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. This will allow time for you to browse the store for any last minute supplies, check-in, and pay the remainder of your deposit if need be. Once you are checked in, you will be escorted back to the pick-up area where we will have the Packaged Bee Installation Video available for viewing, you will pick-up your sugar corks, and you will be able to ask the beekeeper any last minute questions. Once you are handed your package(s), you will need to exit the store and head home to start your beehive! 

It is important to note that once you are checked in, you cannot re-enter the store until you have exited with your packaged, securely placed it in your car, and re-enter through the front of the store. Please purchase any supplies that may be needed before checking in.  

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Step 5: Installing your Package of Bees

 

Installing your packaged bees is illustrated by fourth generation beekeeper, Jace Becker and is available to view on the video below.  Often times the beekeepers feel comfortable enough to work with bees without protective gear. The beekeeper in the video below is not wearing protective gear because he isn't directly working with live bees. It is highly recommended that first time beekeepers wear protective gear. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call the storefront. This video will also be available to view the day of pick-up.

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