Betterbee

[sqkcrk]

I don't know, but, isn't Clarkson,KY w/in easy driving distance to where u live?

[xax68]

I don't know, but, isn't Clarkson,KY w/in easy driving distance to where u live?

over 3 hours one way

[sqkcrk]

I guess free shipping would be an advantage then.

[clyderoad]

A little shipping mix up recently when ordering 2 NWC queens for delivery in Spring 2013. Brought it to their attention (customer service) the next day and received a phone message from Joe Cali that evening. I called back the next morning and spoke with Jack Rath who was intent on making this right and keeping me a satisfied customer. He and I had a good conversation, solved the issue at hand and I came away thinking that these new guys are serious about customer service. My order total was $51.00
Might be time to give'em another chance.

[Keth Comollo]

Jack Rath is a stand up individual and a great queen breeder. He teaches some classes for our local bee club. Betterbee can only get better with the new team they have assembled.

[clyderoad]

I did not expect all that effort on their part for a $50 order. Shows a commitment to the customer, and the business.
I wish them good luck.

[indypartridge]

I know Betterbee has taken a lot of heat here, but I'll give credit when it's due. I couldn't pass up the free shipping on bulk bottle orders, and placed an order at noon on Tuesday, Jan 8th. They were on my porch by Thursday afternoon!

[bluegrass]

over 3 hours one way

Frankfort is only may be an hr an 20 for you

[berkshire bee]

Betterbee, under new ownership has gotten things back together. I've had nothing but good experiences with them. Good job guys. I also noticed that they are once again offering package bees.

[Gregory Stoddard]

I have been a customer of Betterbee since 1979. I live nearby, and the savings on shipping costs on heavy bee supplies was great. Gradually, they dropped products I like, their quality suffered, and their backorders, forced me to go elsewhere. The owners of the new Betterbee have worked to change all that. Betterbee continues to improve. They listen and they care. Everyone has a Betterbee story, but the story has changed. I would encourage anyone to give them a try and see for yourself.

[bluegrass]

Back in the day Betterbee was the only player in the Northeast and there shift away from customer service reflected that. Now there are many other options in bee equipment including Branch offices of Brushy Mt, Kelley and Independent operations like Harvey Honey and VT Bee Supply. It will be pretty tough to rebuild the customer relations that former management burned. If I had purchased Betterbee I personally would have reformed under a new name. The reincarnation of Betterbee will be a tough sell for many former customers.

[clyderoad]

bluegrass, Beware of Betterbee? Why?
do you have any personal experiences with Betterbee? either with the old ownership or the new ownership? please explain.

[bluegrass]

I have a lot of former experience with Betterbee. I am not saying avoid them. Just that re-branding a brand that has been known for back orders and poor customer service for a decade is a hard sell when former business practices opened up the Northeast for plenty of competition.

It was merely a response to a post that obviously was posted by somebody who has a vested interest in Betterbees success.

[berkshire bee]

Bluegrass, I have to disagree. I have no vested interest in Betterbee, but I am interested in seeing them succeed. With today's internet word, bad AND good travels much faster than in days past. I believe news about the new owners and their desire to provide good service and products will spread pretty quickly. I would encourage anyone who has recently had a good experience with the new Betterbee to post it here.

[DPBsbees]

I placed two orders with the new owners of Betterbee at the ABF conference this year in Hershey. All of the products I ordered came in good shape and on time. I have ordered from them since, and the same is true. I will order from them again any time they have what I need at a good price.

[Spark]

Bluegrass you need to give the new owners a fair shake and let them make it on their own merit they are not the former owner.

[johng]

I ordered over 500 bulk plastic bottles about 3weeks ago and was very happy with the service. Fast and FREE shipping.

[honeyman46408]

dont get sucked in by "free shipping" compare prices!!

[The Honey Girl's Boy]

As far as I can tell the new owners are nothing but awesome and are probably the salt of the earth. However, because of the previous owners I moved on and have established excellent relationships with the companies I deal with now. I have nothing against the present owners. They are just new owners of a company that I don't buy from anymore.

[sqkcrk]

We had the new Betterbee folks at our Fall Mtng in Syracuse this past November. They are very nice guys who know the history. They deserve a chance to overcome that past. Under new management for sure. Give them a try and you won't be disappointed.

One thing I found encouraging is that they hired back some of the people who had been let go by the previous management. That shows me that they have an appreciation and concern for their employees.