This winter I will be back to work trying to get ahead of the game for the coming season. The cost of hive bodies and other equipment just keeps going up. I was just on Mann Lakes website looking at quantity discounts on commercial quality Hive bodies and the price each hive body un-assembled is 15.95 for 4 or less, 14.95 for 5-39, 13.95 for 40-99 and 11.75 for 100-249
I was thinking about building 50 or 60 boxes this winter. 50 at 13.95 equals 697.50, 50 at 11.75 equals 587.50. Thats a 110 dollar difference and at that price difference buys me another 9 + boxes. Shipping is free just have to add tax and I dont know if they will add it for Wisconsin but I am guessing yes.
If there is anyone interested in pooling let me know. I am most likely willing to put the money up to pay for the equipment up front, and you could pay your fare share when you pick yours up. I want at least 50 maybe 60 deeps so I need to find someone who wants 40-50 boxes or two or three people who who add up to 40 or 50 boxes. I will not have the cash flow to spare $1175 plus tax till I am done paying for feed and other expenses getting my bees ready for winter. I will likely be ready to order in December. If mann lake would take payment from several parties for one shipment than I could do it earlier.
I build all my own wooden ware but boxes and frames. I like dadant frames better than mann lake but the price difference is minimal anyway for quantity. But things like treatments, division board feeders, might be worth pooling on as well.
I live near Chippewa Falls just so you know.
PM me or post here if interested.