You might have started backyard beekeeping as a hobby. Now, you are wondering if you can make some money. The answer is yes. Honey is a lucrative business. People nowadays appreciate the benefits of organic products to their health and well-being. The closer to the source the product is, the better it is for your body.
Before you get too excited to start your honey business, you need to plan well. From securing your permits to ensuring you have the best porter bee-escape board, here are some things that you should do:
1. Study Beekeeping.
If you are new to beekeeping, then you have a lot of things to catch up on. Before you venture into a honey business, you must learn how to take care of your bees. Operating your business will be so much easier if you know the ins and outs of the business.
You can join local beekeeping clubs to connect with experts in the field. This way, you get first-hand information and advice from the people who have been doing it for many years. You will be able to learn trade secrets that you will not find in books.
2. Create A Business Plan
A clear and specific business plan is important in any business venture. Your business plan will guide you on how to grow and manage your beekeeping business. Here are the things that you should include in your business plan:
- What is your business about?
- What products will you sell?
- Who is your target audience?
- How will you promote your new business?
- How will you fund your business?
If you will need to apply for a loan, you will need your business plan in your application.
3. Invest in High-quality Equipment
Depending on your budget, you can start with the basic beekeeping packages that include the following components.
- For the Bee Hive: hive outer cover, inner cover, shallow honey supers, Queen excluder, hive body, bottom board, hive stand
- Frames and Foundation
- Smoker
- Hive Tool
- Veil and Gloves
- Feeders
- Porter Bee Escape
- Pollen Traps
- Hive Strappers
4. Check Zoning Requirements In Your Area
Make sure that beekeeping is allowed in your municipality before you start your business. Secure the permits and licenses that you need to comply with the municipality and homeowners’ association that serves your area. Complying with the requirements early on will save you from any trouble that can affect your operations.
You will need to secure permits and licenses for buying a bee and harvesting, bottling, and selling honey. Your hives must also be properly registered.
5. Learn How To Harvest Honey
Harvesting honey is not like harvesting apple. It needs precise and careful actions. You need to be gentle and calm so that you don’t alarm the bees. Avoid wearing cologne so that you won’t attract the bees. Remember not to get all the honey and to leave something for your bees to eat during winter.
Remove the honey supers from your hive. You can use a smoker to make it easier for you, but remember not to use too much lest you affect the flavor of your honey. After removing the wax cappings from the honeycomb cells, you can use a honey extractor to separate the liquid honey. Be careful not to destroy the empty comb so that you can still reuse it.
6. Learn To Make Beeswax Candles
Do not throw away the wax cappings that you removed from the honeycomb cells. You can use them to make candles, which you can add in your product catalog. Beeswax candles are safe and natural, without paraffin and artificial scents. The benefits of beeswax candles include:
- They will not go rancid.
- They do not produce toxic byproducts.
- They can neutralize pollutants present in the air, such as dust and molds.
- They are relaxing.
7. Explore Other Products You Can Make With Honey
There are many products that you can make with your honey. Explore the possibilities so that you can grow your business and expand your honey market. You can create vinegar, bar soaps, face scrubs, face masks, and more. You can consider other honey-based products for your business. Do not forget to explore your options to make your business more relevant.
8. Create Your Branding And Label
For your products to sell, you must create an eye-catching label with your brand logo. Hire a designer who can do your logo and labels for you. Do not forget to include information about the nutritional value of your honey to assure your buyers.
When setting up your honey business, make sure to do proper research first. You can start small with a number of beehives. Once you get enough experience and become more comfortable, you can gradually expand your business.
