Last Updated: January
2026

These Terms and Conditions apply specifically to the purchase of honey bee nucleus colonies ("nucs") from Samco Honey. By ordering nucs online, by phone, by email, in person, or by mail, you acknowledge and agree to the following policies, contract terms, conditions, limitations, and exceptions.

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1. Nature of Live Bees

Honey bees are live livestock and are subject to factors beyond our control, including weather, forage availability, transportation conditions, pests, disease, and individual beekeeping practices.

Accordingly:

• Colony strength, temperament, honey production, and survival are not guaranteed

• Visual differences between nucs are normal and expected

• Outcomes after pickup are dependent on the buyer’s management and environmental conditions

2. Orders, Payment & Cancellations

• All nuc orders require payment in full at the time the order is placed unless otherwise stated

• Orders are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis

• A 10% cancellation fee will be applied to any cancellation made after an order has been placed

• We reserve the right to limit quantities or refuse orders at our discretion

3. Availability & Pickup Dates

Honey bee nucs are seasonal products. Estimated pickup dates are provided in advance but may change due to weather conditions, colony development, queen availability, or other factors beyond our control.

• Changes or delays in pickup dates do not constitute grounds for cancellation or refund

• Customers are responsible for monitoring pickup notifications and communications

4. Pickup Responsibility & No-Shows

• All nucs are pickup only, unless explicitly stated otherwise

• Customers are responsible for picking up their nucs on the scheduled date and time

• If you are unable to pick up as scheduled, you must make alternative arrangements with Samco Honey in advance

• No refunds will be issued for nucs that are not picked up

• Nucs not picked up may be offered to customers on our waiting list

5. Transfer of Risk & Responsibility

• Honey bee nucs and the risk of loss of the bees and queen transfer to the customer at the moment of pickup

• Samco Honey guarantees that all nucs will be healthy and full of bees at the time of customer pickup

Once the nuc leaves our possession, all responsibility transfers to the customer.

6. No Guarantee After Pickup

Due to varying apicultural practices and environmental conditions:

• We do not guarantee the survival, productivity, temperament, or performance of any hive established from the nuc

• We do not guarantee survival through winter months, regardless of whether the nuc is purchased in early spring, summer, late summer, or fall

By placing an order, the customer agrees not to hold Samco Honey responsible for any loss, damage, or outcome occurring after pickup.

7. Highest Quality Guarantee (At Pickup Only)

Samco Honey offers a Highest Quality Guarantee strictly at the time of pickup:

• If the customer is not completely satisfied with the nuc at the time of pickup, they may refuse acceptance and receive a full refund of the purchase price

• The customer must choose either to accept the nuc or receive a full refund

• Customers may not receive a refund and keep the nuc(s)

This guarantee ends immediately once the customer leaves with the nuc(s). Any issues arising after pickup are solely the customer’s responsibility.

8. Buyer Responsibilities

The buyer is responsible for:

• Having appropriate hive equipment prepared prior to pickup

• Transporting bees safely and legally

• Complying with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations

• Proper hive management, feeding, pest control, and seasonal preparation

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Samco Honey shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to loss of bees, loss of honey production, or loss of equipment, arising from the purchase or use of honey bee nucs.

10. Acceptance of Terms

By placing an order with Samco Honey, the customer confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Honey Bee Nuc Terms & Conditions in full.