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Beginner Kit - Deluxe
Beginner Kit - Deluxe
Beginner Kit - Deluxe
Beginner Kit - Deluxe
Beginner Kit - Deluxe
Beginner Kit - Deluxe

Beginner Kit - Deluxe

Regular price $478.85
Unit price per

Ready to get started with bees? Congratulations, you're about to embark on an exciting adventure! Our beginner kits will help you get started and cover your basic needs.

This DELUXE beginner kit has all the same items as our STANDARD kit, but with an additional deep box, and 2 medium supers, which is generally enough boxes to get you through your full 1st season. The deluxe kit also includes an upgrade to our Hive365 top feeder!

Some key features set our beginner kit apart from our competitors. Most competitors kits offer you the bare minimum for a low-priced option. They put in things like a cheap entrance feeder, single wax coated foundation, and a $5 book that was written 50 years ago. 

Our beginner kits come with the components that we feel you actually "need" to get a good start, and the stuff that we use in our own beekeeping. Like a bigger, better feeder; double wax coated foundation for best bee acceptance; a premium, larger capacity feeder; and a modern, up-to-date beekeeping guide book.

Need bees? Click here to check out our live bee offerings! 

Our DELUXE beginner kit includes:

Completely assembled 10 frame  four-story hive:

  • Includes bottom board, entrance reducer, 2 deep hive bodies, 2 medium supers, frames with double waxed foundation, inner cover, and outer cover.
  • Plastic Queen Excluder
  • Hive365 2.5 Gal. Top Feeder
  • HillCo 7" Smoker
  • Hive Tool
  • Bee Brush
  • Protective Beekeeper Veil
  • "A Beekeeper's Diary" - The definitive self guide to beekeeping, authored by "Certified Master Beekeeper," Charlotte Ekker Wiggins! 

Note: most new beekeepers will want more protective gear than this kit provides. We include a simple veil to protect your head and neck, but we advise you to consider purchasing a beesuit or beekeeper jacket, and a good pair of gloves. We don't include them as part of the kit, because the various sizes and styles available would make it very confusing. 

We encourage you to click here to choose from our robust protective gear!

Seasonal Supplies

Stock up on seasonal essentials — everything you need for a healthy, productive hive year-round.

The Essentials

Shop trusted beekeeping tools at prices that won’t sting — discounted gear from the best in the business.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes HillCo products different from other beekeeping suppliers?

HillCo is a family-owned business built by beekeepers, for beekeepers. Founder John Hill started out as a hobbyist frustrated by how expensive beekeeping equipment had become, so HillCo focuses on offering high-quality, core beekeeping products at more affordable prices than competitors by buying in higher volume direct from manufacturers, limiting selection to focus on core items, and keeping operating costs low. That means real savings passed on to you, backed by friendly, personal customer service.For more info, visit our About page.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Most orders ship within 2 business days of purchase (business days are Monday to Friday; no shipments go out on weekends or holidays). Once your order ships, you'll get a confirmation email with tracking details. Delivery estimates shown at checkout are estimates only, and transit time after shipping depends on the carrier and your location.For more info, visit our Shipping Policy and Returns page.

Do you offer returns or warranties on your products?

Yes. All HillCo products are guaranteed to arrive in usable, working, new condition. If an item is defective, contact us within 7 days of delivery for a replacement or refund. Changed your mind? Contact us within 30 days of delivery to arrange a return. You're responsible for return shipping (via UPS or freight, depending on the item), and a 10% restocking fee applies.For more info, visit our Shipping Policy and Returns page.

What is your return, refund, and warranty policy?

Damaged or defective items: contact us within 7 days of delivery and we'll arrange a replacement, refund (including shipping cost), or in some cases monetary compensation, at our discretion. Change-of-mind returns: contact us within 30 days of delivery. You cover return shipping via UPS or freight, and a 10% restocking fee is deducted from the refund. If an order arrives damaged, keep the original packaging and photograph the damage to support a carrier claim.For more info, visit our Shipping Policy and Returns page.

Do you ship internationally or only within the U.S.?

We ship within the continental United States only, via Spee-Dee Delivery Service, UPS, or freight depending on the size and weight of your order. We're unable to ship outside the continental U.S. at this time.For more info, visit our Shipping Policy and Returns page.

Can I pick up my order locally or visit your facility?

Yes, local pickup is available at our facility in Minonk, IL. Please call us at (309) 461-7885 to arrange pickup or a visit.For more info, visit our Contact page.