Pickup Info, Genetics, Guarantee & Terms

Pickup Information

Location & Timing

• All nucs, packages, and full hives are pickup only at:
  1753 Ebenezer Rd Smyrna, SC 29743
• Full Hives: Exact pickup window is texted the week of pickup.
• Nucs & Packages: Pickup is Saturday 8AM–11AM.
• Please arrive during this window so we can move bees safely.

What to Bring

• Ratchet straps or a way to secure colonies during transport.
• A vehicle with ventilation — avoid sealed trunks.
• Protective gear if desired (veil/jacket). This is for your comfort in case something happens during transport.

After Pickup

• Install bees into permanent equipment the same day, asap.
• Have hive stand, boxes, frames, and feeder ready before pickup.
• Follow installation instructions provided by HoneyStrong.

If you cannot make your pickup time, contact us immediately. We cannot hold bees without prior arrangement (multiple days before).

Inspection Experience (Full Hive Orders and Bulk order 10+)

The Full Hives (or nuc order 10+) we sell come with a hands‑on inspection opportunity at pickup. We walk you through the health, temperament, brood pattern, and overall strength of your bees so you know exactly what you're taking home. This is your chance to ask questions, see the queen, understand the colony’s condition, and gain confidence before installation. New beekeepers especially benefit from this guided experience, and many tell us it’s one of the most valuable parts of buying from HoneyStrong.

Genetics Overview

Carolina Crown IV (HoneyStrong Signature Line)

Carolina Crown Line IV queens come from a multi‑year selective breeding program focused on hygienic behavior, mite resistance, and long‑term colony stability. These queens consistently demonstrate rapid detection and removal of mite‑affected brood, strong grooming behavior, and exceptional nest‑cleaning instincts — traits that naturally suppress mite reproduction and improve colony health without excessive intervention. This is not a generic mixed stock; it is a refined lineage built from the most resilient, productive, and self‑maintaining colonies observed across thousands of HoneyStrong hives.

• Purpose‑bred from multi‑year survivor stock selected specifically for the Carolina and Southeastern climate.
• Exceptional hygienic behavior — colonies consistently demonstrate rapid removal of mite‑affected brood and maintain lower mite loads with fewer interventions.
• Superior overwintering performance proven through multiple seasons of cold snaps, warm spells, and inconsistent winter patterns common to our region.
• Balanced temperament — calm on the comb, easy to work, yet strong enough to defend against pests and robbing pressure.
• Efficient spring buildup without becoming swarm‑prone, making them ideal for both new beekeepers and production apiaries.
• Honey production that competes with — and often exceeds — standard Italian and Carniolan lines due to consistent brood patterns and foraging behavior.
• Locally adapted genetics that outperform shipped‑in stock by matching our nectar flows, weather swings, and regional disease pressures.

Italian

• Gentle temperament and strong honey production.
• Popular with beginners.
• May require more winter preparation.

Carniolan

• Fast spring buildup and good overwintering traits.
• Generally gentle to moderate temperament.
• Can be swarm‑prone during heavy flows.

Russian

• Sourced from Russian Honey Bee Breeders Association members.
• Known for mite tolerance and conservative brood cycles.
• Adaptable to variable nectar flows.

Genetics influence behavior, but environment and management also play major roles.

Terms & Conditions

General

• By placing an order, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
• All sales are final once colonies and queens are picked up or when queens are shipped.
• No refunds on bees.
• We reserve the right to refuse service or cancel orders.
• We reserve the right to substitute queen genetics if a specific line becomes unavailable.

Payment

• Online orders are paid via PayPal.
• Large orders may require payment by check or cash.
• Orders are not confirmed until payment is received.

Pickup & Scheduling

• Pickup dates may shift due to weather or queen development.
• If you miss your pickup without notice, you will forfeit the order with no refund.
• Bees cannot be held overnight unless arranged multiple days in advance.
• Pickup only for Packages, Nucs, and Full Hives. We do not ship colonies because of the risk in shipping.

Transport Requirements

• Bring a ventilated vehicle — no sealed trunks.
• Secure colonies with straps or other restraints.
• Avoid long stops, enclosed spaces, or direct sun exposure.
• Once bees leave our care, you assume all risk.
• We do not guarantee viability after transport.

Queens & Shipping

• Shipping is weather‑dependent and may be delayed for queen safety.
• Insurance covers DOA queens only with video proof within 1 hour of delivery.
• Insurance does not cover introduction failures or colony behavior.
• $4 per queen, must purchase for all queens in shipment.

Health & Management

• All colonies require ongoing mite monitoring and management.
• We do not guarantee honey yields or temperament.

Questions? Contact us at info@honeystrong.com or 704‑993‑6833.

HoneyStrong 14‑Day Guarantee

Our goal is to send you home with healthy, thriving bees. Because bees are live animals and many factors outside our control affect colony performance, our guarantee focuses on issues that can be clearly traced to pre‑pickup conditions.

What IS Covered (Within 14 Days)

• Missing queen at pickup or immediately after installation.
• Drone‑layer queen.
• Failing queen with clear evidence the issue existed before pickup.
• Colony issues that can be verified as pre‑pickup through photos/video.

What is NOT Covered

• Overheating during transport.
• Transport‑related stress or death.
• Installation errors or incorrect combining of bees.
• Starvation, robbing, or weather‑related losses.
• Mite‑related issues or lack of mite management.
• Queen introduction failures (for shipped queens).
• Normal brood pattern fluctuations.
• Packages (no guarantee beyond live queen at pickup).

How to Request a Replacement

• Contact us within 14 days of pickup.
• Provide clear photos or video of the issue.
• Describe the timeline of when the issue was first noticed.
• Provide details on hive conditions (feeding, weather, mite checks, etc.).
• We will diagnose the issue with you to determine if it is pre‑pickup.
• If verified, we will provide a replacement queen or colony depending on the situation.

This guarantee is designed to protect both the customer and the bees. Most issues can be resolved through diagnosis and support, and we are here to help you succeed.