Where do YOU get your bee keeping supplies?

[dansko]

I wanted to open up a topic on places to find good prices and service for bee keeping supplies: Boxes, frames, foundation, clothing, smokers and even the swarms themselves.

I'm in Utah and sometimes I find the shipping cost to be a significant portion of an order, so information on where the supplier is located in the real world will help us pre-determine shipping costs.

Here are some sites I've bought from in the past:

https://www.dadant.com/catalog/index.php - Dadant and Sons. Location: Hamilton, IL

Review: By and far the most complete in catalog materials, their distance from my town means I don't tend to buy too many heavy items from here. Great customer service, the website is pretty navigable, and no issues with handling and delivery time.

http://www.westernbee.com/ - Western Been Supplies. Location: Polson, MT

Review: Closer, but limited in supplies.

http://www.jonesbee.com/ - Jones Bee. Location: SLC, UT

Review: Only in an emergency do I shop here, and I drive there directly and pick up what I need. They have the basics, if you can find it (disorganized). Very poor customer service, so bad that it is entertaining to watch how bad it can be.

http://www.knightfamilyhoney.com/products.html - Knight Family Honey. Location: Lehi, UT

Review: They only have the bee packages for sale (as far as supplies go -- but you can get honey there!). Very good service, always personable, and close to home.

So...

Where do you shop? Heard of any bargains?

Dan

[admin]

I know what you mean about Jones, isn't that just a crack up to go there and watch what goes on. I was there one day when the gal at the counter was working with a new beekeeper and and after getting frustrated with all the ?'s finally said the the customer. "I hate when new beekeepers come in here and don't know what they want and what they are doing." I was just blown away. That is why we started BB & C we just got tired of doing business with Jones. Anyway, we use Lee and April for all the advice we can and we get all our packages through them, they are great people... But as you said, just bees and nucs no woodenware. I built all I can for ourselves and our clients but usually fall woefully short each year. I just can't keep up the way that I like. I use Mann Lake LTD for all the stuff that I can't build and they have been great.
Best of luck!!
F