Question 1

Can I borrow the equipment if I am not a member of CBA?

Accepted Answer

Our honey extractor rentals are currently only available to CBA Members.

Membership is only $30 / year, and includes lots of great benefits!

Question 2

Can I borrow an extractor for more than 3 days at a time?

Accepted Answer

Each member may reserve an extractor for one 3-day period per month, with a maximum of 12 loan periods per calendar year. This limit applies per member, not per extractor location.

To ensure fair access during peak harvesting times, members may hold no more than two active bookings at a time.

Most members reserve equipment only a few days in advance, so limiting loans to 3 days helps keep the extractors available for others. This policy balances individual harvesting needs with community access.

Question 3

Why is a deposit required to borrow an extractor?

Accepted Answer

A $25 refundable cash deposit is required at pickup to ensure the equipment is returned clean and in good working condition. The deposit will be returned at drop-off after the host inspects the equipment.

We rely on all members to help keep our equipment in good condition and available to the entire community.

Question 4

How do I get my deposit back?

Accepted Answer

To receive your $25 cash deposit back, return the equipment on time, spotlessly clean, and in the same working condition as when you picked it up. The host will inspect the equipment at drop-off. If everything checks out, your deposit will be returned on the spot.
If the equipment is dirty, damaged, or missing parts, your deposit may be withheld, and you may be contacted by the Connecticut Beekeepers Association to discuss next steps.

Question 5

What happens if I don’t bring back the equipment clean?

Accepted Answer

If the equipment is returned dirty, your $25 deposit will be withheld, and the host will clean it to ensure it is safe and ready for the next borrower. This is not just about courtesy. Clean equipment helps prevent the spread of disease between colonies, which is critical to responsible beekeeping.

We take cleanliness seriously and ask all members to do the same. Failure to return clean equipment may also affect your ability to borrow in the future.

Question 6

What happens if I damage the equipment?

Accepted Answer

If the equipment is damaged during your loan, notify the host immediately. Your cash deposit will not be returned at drop-off.

In cases of significant damage, the Connecticut Beekeepers Association may contact you to discuss repair or replacement costs. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the damage, this may also result in loss of borrowing privileges.

While damage to equipment is rare, we take care to ensure our extractors remain in good working order and available for all members whenever possible.

Question 7

What if there is damage to the extractor before I borrow it?

Accepted Answer

Before taking the equipment, inspect it carefully and go over everything with the host. This helps confirm what is included, ensures you understand how to use it properly, and allows you to spot any existing issues. If you notice a problem before or during your loan, contact the host right away.

Question 8

What happens if I'm late for my pickup or drop-off time?

Accepted Answer

Contact the host as soon as possible to coordinate any changes in your scheduled pickup or drop-off times. Missing your scheduled timing will not extend your loan period, so prompt communication is essential.

Late drop-offs may affect the next borrower. If you’re running late, notify the host immediately so we can manage the schedule for others.

Schedule changes that are not communicated to the host may result in loss of borrowing privileges at the discretion of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association.

Question 9

What happens if I book the equipment but don’t show up for pickup?

Accepted Answer

If you miss your pickup without making prior arrangements with the host, your booking may be canceled and made available to another member. We have limited equipment, and no-shows make it harder for other members to access what they need, especially during peak harvest season.

Repeated no-shows or cancellations may result in loss of borrowing privileges at the discretion of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association.

Question 10

Can I reschedule my pickup?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may reschedule up to 7 days in advance of your pickup date by signing into your CBA account and navigating to your My Loans area using the dropdown menu under the sign-in menu. View your loan details and make changes here.

Please limit your rescheduling to once per loan period. Repeated cancellations or rescheduling may result in loss of borrowing privileges at the discretion of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association.

Question 11

How can I cancel my pickup?

Accepted Answer

Loans can be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled pickup date.

To cancel or reschedule your loan, sign into your CBA account and navigate to your My Loans area using the dropdown menu under the sign-in menu. View your loan details and make changes here.

This will notify the host and send you an email confirming your cancellation or rescheduled loan dates.

Question 12

I can’t figure out how to book online - can you help?

Accepted Answer

If you need help navigating our online booking system, please reach out on our booking page using the contact form provided.

Question 13

I have feedback about the Honey Extractor Program - Where can I send it?

Accepted Answer

If you have ideas, questions, or feedback about our loan program, please reach out on our booking page using the contact form provided, and our program director will be in touch as he is able.

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