How to Start a Beehive Business
- 1). Determine whether the place you live has restrictions on where bees can be kept. This is especially important if you plan to put your beehive in a residential area or subdivision. In addition, check with your state's Department of Agriculture to see if you need a license.
- 2). Read beekeeping books and view video tutorials online. The biggest obstacle to starting a beehive business is learning how to properly care for the bees. You also might want to read books on business management, customer relations, organic businesses, marketing and public relations.
- 3). Contact your local beekeeper's society. One of the best ways to learn beekeeping is to get first-hand experience and advice from those already proficient in the art. You should consider contacting the American Beekeeping Federation and the Back Yard Beekeepers Association.
- 4). Make sure you have enough space for your beehive; a typical-sized backyard is enough space. If you are using your backyard, put the hive in an unused section. For example, it's a bad idea to place the beehive near playground equipment or your patio.
- 5). Buy a beehive and bees. You only need one hive to start a beehive business. You can purchase a beehive and bees from suppliers such as Betterbee, Sacramento Beekeeping Supplies or Brushy Mountain Bee Farm. The average hive costs about $300. You also will need protective beekeepers gear, a smoke box, and a hive tool.
- 6). Purchase FDA approved food safe containers to package the honey. It's also a good idea to use these containers if you are collecting wax to sell to cosmetic product makers..
- 7). Sign up as a supplier with a cosmetics organization such as Indie Beauty to establish a business relationship with those looking to purchase organic beeswax and honey for use in their product formulations.
- 8). Secure a spot in your local farmer's market and set up an informational or e-commerce website to attract new customers. You can also retail your honey through an online artisan market, such as Foodzie or 1000 Markets.