Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Q: What products does invertobee offer?

A: Our core product range includes invertobee 50-C, 50-W, 66-C, 66-W, and 73-Z — each formulated for a specific apiculture application. Refer to the Products section of our website for current prices and availability.

Q: How can I contact invertobee?

A: You can reach us through the following channels:

• Email: sales@invertobee.com
• Phone: +30-210-6823947
• Website: https://www.invertobee.com
• Address: 8 G. Gennadiou, Athens 106 78, Greece

Q: Can I visit your facility in person?

A: Yes. You are welcome to visit our headquarters in Athens. Please contact the sales team a few days in advance to arrange the details. A friend or colleague may also collect an order on your behalf.

Payment Methods & Checkout

A: Creating an account allows us to calculate accurate shipping costs for your location, send you order confirmation and tracking information, and contact you if any questions arise during processing. Account creation takes under 2 minutes. Once registered, your shipping address and preferences are saved for faster future orders. Guest checkout is not available.

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

A: We accept the following payment methods:

• Credit or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay (via Viva Wallet payment link)
• PayPal
• Bank transfer (SEPA / SWIFT; IBAN accounts available in both Greece and Germany)

Payment is required in full before order processing and shipment, unless otherwise agreed with established customers.

Q: Do I need a VAT number to place an order?

A: A VAT number is not required to place an order. However, a valid EU VAT number registered for intra-EU cross-border transactions (verifiable via the EU VIES system) is required to receive a VAT-exempt invoice. Customers without a VAT number can pay via PayPal or credit card; VAT (24%) may be added to the order total in such cases.

Q: Can I receive a proforma invoice before payment?

A: Yes. A proforma invoice can be provided upon request. A formal invoice is issued after payment is confirmed.

Q: Can I pay in installments or send a test payment first?

A: Yes. You can send a small test payment first to confirm the process, then proceed with the full amount. For large orders, partial advance payment arrangements can be discussed. Contact sales for details.

Product Range & Specifications

Q: What is the difference between the invertobee product variants (50-C, 50-W, 66-C, 66-W, 73-Z)?

A: Each variant is formulated for a different sugar concentration and application:

• 50-C — 1:1 syrup (50% w/w); works at both cold (17–20°C) and warm (50–60°C) temperatures. Best-selling and most versatile product.
• 50-W — 1:1 syrup (50% w/w); warm temperature operation only (50–60°C). More economical than 50-C; treats 1,200 kg of syrup per standard pack vs. 1,000 kg for 50-C.
• 66-C — 2:1 dense syrup (65–68% w/w); cold inversion at 20°C for 32 hours, or warm at 50–60°C for 8 hours.
• 66-W — 2:1 dense syrup (65–68% w/w); warm temperature operation only (50–60°C for 12 hours). Suitable for commercial syrup production and resale.
• 73-Z — Sugar paste (fondant / patties); operates at 40–50°C; contains texture-fixing ingredients for seasonal consistency. Can handle up to 75% sugar concentration.

Q: Is there a difference between product codes "50-C" and "S 50-C"?

A: No. The "S" prefix is legacy nomenclature found in older brochures. S 50-C and 50-C are the same product. The same applies to S 50-W and 50-W.

Q: What is invertase enzyme activity measured in?

A: Invertase catalytic activity is expressed in Sumner Units (SU) per gram. One SU is defined as the amount of enzyme required to form 1 mg of invert sugar in a 6 ml solution of 5.4% sucrose under standard conditions (pH 4.5, 20°C, 5-minute incubation).

Q: What inversion degree can invertobee products achieve?

A: invertobee products achieve over 95% sugar inversion in syrups, as verified by laboratory analysis certificates from customer samples.

Q: What package sizes are available?

A: Standard packs are 300 g and 1 kg (resealable doy-pack bags). Larger bulk packaging (up to 5 kg containers) can be arranged for distributors. Resellers may request custom packaging sizes.

Q: What is the minimum order quantity?

A: There is no strict minimum order. Single packs can be ordered via the website. For bulk, distributor, or custom packaging orders, contact sales to discuss quantities and pricing.

Q: Are invertobee products available in liquid form?

A: No. All invertobee products are supplied in powder form only.

Q: Does invertobee contain non-GMO ingredients?

A: The invertase enzyme itself holds a non-GMO certificate. However, most other ingredients in the blended products are not non-GMO certified. For fully certified organic or non-GMO production, please contact us to discuss options.

Q: What is the HS/tariff code for invertobee products?

A: The tariff code is 3507909000.

Preparation & Usage

Q: Do I need to dissolve all sugar crystals before adding the enzyme?

A: No. You can add invertobee enzyme to the water-sugar mixture without waiting for all crystals to fully dissolve, but you do need to stir until everything is dissolved.

Q: When should I add the enzyme — at the beginning or after the sugar dissolves?

A: You can add the enzyme at either stage. If adding at the beginning, dissolve it in the main water first. If adding at the end, dilute the powder in a small portion of water before mixing into the main batch to prevent lump formation.

Q: Do I need to adjust water pH before adding the enzyme?

A: No. The enzyme formulation regulates pH automatically. No pre-treatment of water is required.

Q: Can I use chlorinated tap water?

A: Yes. Chlorine in tap water does not affect enzyme performance.

Q: Is constant stirring required after adding the enzyme?

A: No. Stir only until everything is dissolved and the liquid is clear, then stop agitation. Continuous mixing throughout the inversion period is not necessary.

Syrup Production

Q: Which product should I use to make invert syrup (1:1 ratio)?

A: Use invertobee 50-C (cold or warm) or 50-W (warm only). Standard dosage is 300 g per 1,000 kg of syrup. Prepared 1:1 syrup should be fed fresh, ideally within 3–4 days of preparation.

Q: Which product should I use to make dense 2:1 syrup for winter feeding or resale?

A: Use invertobee 66-W (warm, 50–60°C for 12 hours) or 66-C (cold at 20°C for 32 hours, or warm at 50–60°C for 8 hours). Standard dosage is 300 g for the former and 350 g for the latter per 1,000 kg of syrup. Dense syrup at 65–68% concentration has a shelf life of at least 30 days in a sealed container.

Q: Can I use invertobee 66-W for a 70% syrup concentration?

A: Yes. invertobee 66-W is suitable for up to 70% sugar concentration. For concentrations above 70%, crystallisation phenomena may appear.

Q: How long does inversion take at different temperatures?

A: Inversion time depends on temperature and product:

• 50-C / 50-W at 50–60°C: C at 8 hours, W at 12 hours
• 50-C at 20-30°C: 36 hours at 20°C; 16 hours at 30°C
• 66-C at 20-60°C: 36 hours at 20°C; 16 hours at 30°C; 8 hours at 50–60°C
• 66-W at 50–60°C: 12 hours
• 73-Z: at 40–50°C 12 hours; at room temperature (17–25°C): 24 hours

Q: When is the best time of year to use invertobee products?

A: Timing depends on your local climate and seasonal plant availability. Local beekeeping experts can advise on optimal feeding periods for your region. invertobee products should be used for hive development and supplemental feeding — not during active nectar collection or honey production periods.

Q: Can invertobee products be used for non-apiculture applications such as confectionery production?

A: Yes. All invertobee products are food-grade and are already used in confectionery applications.

Q: Can invertobee products be used for organic-certified production?

A: Unfortunately, some bulk ingredients in the blended invertobee products are not certified for organic production. The invertase enzyme itself has a non-GMO certificate. Contact us for guidance.

Sugar Paste Production

Q: Which product should I use to make sugar paste (fondant/patties)?

A: Use invertobee 73-Z. Prepare a 70% sugar syrup (70 kg sugar + 30 kg water), heat to 40–50°C to facilitate sugar dissolution, add the enzyme, and allow 12 hours for inversion. Then combine the invert syrup with very fine powdered sugar in a kneader at approximately a 1:3 ratio (syrup:powder sugar). One 300 g pack treats 200 kg of syrup, yielding approximately 800 kg of finished paste.

Q: What is the recommended sugar-to-syrup ratio for paste production?

A: Approximately 3 kg of fine powdered sugar per 1 kg of inverted syrup (3:1 ratio). Adjust based on season: summer paste should be firmer, winter paste softer. Paste will stiffen slightly over 3–4 days after preparation, so make it slightly softer than the desired final consistency. For the first time, do a small test first!

Q: Can I add water to the kneader mixture during paste production?

A: No, NEVER. Adding water causes stability problems. If the paste needs more liquid, add extra invert syrup instead.

Q: What type of sugar should I use for paste production?

A: Use freshly ground fine sugar with a particle size of approximately 0.1 mm (similar to confectionery-grade icing sugar). Avoid commercially pre-ground sugar that contains starch, as starch is harmful to bees. Contact local pastry shops, bakeries, or beekeeping associations for fresh grinding if you do not have a mill.

Q: Is invertobee 73-Z suitable for transporting bees in cages?

A: Yes. invertobee 73-Z paste can be placed in a cage of bees to keep them alive during transport.

Q: Can I add supplements such as vitamins, proteins, or pollen to the syrup or paste?

A: Yes. Soya, vitamins, proteins, pollen, and other supplements can be added to the paste. Adding a protein solution in sugar paste can help with paste texture and hive development.

Storage, Support & Troubleshooting

Q: How should invertobee products be stored?

A: Store all products in a refrigerator at 1–10°C for maximum shelf life. Products can also be stored at room temperature for short periods, but avoid prolonged exposure above 25°C. If lumps form in the powder during storage, simply break them up by hand before use — this does not affect product quality.

Q: For how long can I store invertobee products?

A: Products have a best-before date of one year from the production date. When stored in a refrigerator, shelf life is considerably extended — customers have successfully used products up to 4–5 years after the expiry date.

Q: For how long can I store syrup made with invertobee?

A: Shelf life depends on sugar concentration:

• 50% syrup (1:1): 4–6 days. Feed fresh whenever possible.
• 65–68% syrup (2:1): up to 30 days in a hermetically sealed container if good-quality water was used.

Q: How long does prepared sugar paste last?

A: Paste is microbiologically stable for an extended period due to its low water content. Texture changes with temperature over time. For best results, provide fresh food to bees.

Q: What should I do if lumps form in the powder?

A: Lumps are normal in powders stored without anti-caking agents. Break them up by squeezing the pack from the outside before opening. This does not affect enzyme activity.

Q: How can I measure whether sugar inversion is complete?

A: If you follow the product instructions correctly, inversion will exceed 95%. For precise measurement, HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) analysis can be performed in a laboratory. Contact us if you require guidance on testing protocols.

Q: Is technical support available after purchase?

A: Yes. Our team provides support for application questions, dosing recommendations, troubleshooting, and protocol clarification. Contact us via email (sales@invertobee.com) or phone (+30-210-6823947).

Q: What should I do if the product does not perform as expected?

A: Contact our technical team with details of your process, quantities, temperatures, and the issue encountered. We will provide guidance on adjustments or troubleshooting.

Pricing, Discounts

Q: What are your product prices?

A: Prices vary by product and quantity. Current list prices are available on invertobee.com. Contact sales with your required quantities and destination for a custom quotation including shipping costs.

Q: Do you offer bulk or volume discounts?

A: Yes. Volume discounts are available. Contact sales with your annual quantity requirements.

Q: Do you offer reseller or distributor pricing?

A: Yes. Resellers typically receive a discount on list prices. An affiliate programme is also available, offering 6% commission on all orders from referred customers. Contact us to discuss terms.

Shipping, Delivery & Customs

Q: Which countries do you ship to?

A: We ship worldwide. We have experience shipping to EU member states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. Some destinations may have higher shipping costs or specific customs requirements. Contact us if you are unsure about your country.

Q: What shipping methods are available?

A: We offer the following shipping options:

• FedEx International Priority — fastest option; typically 1–3 business days within Europe, 2–5 business days internationally
• FedEx Economy (International or Regional)— road transport within Europe; 3–5 business days
• Registered post (Hellenic Post / ELTA) — more economical; approximately 1 week within Europe, 1–2 weeks internationally
• Courier (ACS or ELTA)— available for Greece and neighboring regions
• DHL / UPS — available for specific destinations

For non-EU countries, FedEx is the option. Standard postal services are not recommended for non-EU destinations due to slow processing.

Q: How long does delivery take?

A: Typical delivery times from our Athens facility:

• Greece: 2–3 working days (local courier)
• EU countries: 1–2 days (FedEx/DHL); approximately 1 week (for low-cost FedEx/DHL or registered post)
• UK, non-EU Europe: 2–3 days (FedEx/DHL), excluding customs clearance
• USA / Canada: 2–5 business days (FedEx/DHL), excluding customs clearance
• Australia: 2–5 business days (FedEx/DHL), excluding customs clearance
• Middle East: 2–4 business days (FedEx/DHL), excluding customs clearance

Q: How are shipping costs calculated?

A: Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your delivery address, order weight, and chosen shipping method. For a precise quote before ordering, provide your full address and required quantities to sales@invertobee.com.

Q: Do I need to refrigerate the products during shipping?

A: No. Refrigeration is not required during normal shipping. The enzyme remains stable throughout transit, including brief customs delays, provided temperatures remain reasonable.

Q: Will I have to pay import duties or customs charges?

A: This depends on your country's regulations and the declared shipment value. For first orders or low-value shipments, goods can be declared as commercial samples of low value, which minimises or eliminates import duties. For commercial invoices, a tax identification number (VAT number, ABN, TFN, EIN, or equivalent) may be required. Customers are responsible for customs clearance costs in their country.

Q: What should I do if customs holds my package?

A: Contact us immediately with your tracking number. We can communicate with the carrier and provide additional documentation (invoices, MSDS, product brochures) to support customs clearance.

Q: How do I track my shipment?

A: A tracking number is provided via email for every shipment. Use the tracking number on the relevant carrier's website:

• FedEx: fedex.com
• DHL: dhl.com
• Hellenic Post (ELTA): elta.gr
• ACS: acscourier.net

Q: What happens if there is an error in my shipping address?

A: Contact us immediately. If the package has not yet left our facility, we can correct the address at no charge. If already dispatched, contact the carrier directly with your tracking number.

Q: Do you offer free shipping?

A: We subsidize shipping costs for first-time customers in some cases. For repeat orders with multiple packs, shipping costs may be covered depending on order size. Contact us for details.

Q: Can you ship to a pickup point rather than a home address?

A: Yes. For courier or postal services, you can select from available pickup points. Provide the preferred pickup location when placing your order.

Reseller & Distribution Partnerships

Q: Can I become a reseller or distributor?

A: Yes. We welcome inquiries from potential resellers and distributors. Two partnership models are available:

1. Affiliate programme — 6% commission on all orders from customers you refer.
2. Reseller / distributor programme — discount on products; territorial exclusivity can be discussed for committed volumes. Distributors may repackage products under their own label, subject to regulatory requirements and our formal agreement.

We typically propose a small initial order with free samples to allow you to evaluate the product before committing to larger volumes.

Q: What support do you provide to distributors?

A: Distributors receive product instructions, time/temperature diagrams, multilingual labels, marketing material, free samples for testing, and direct technical support. We also support market development activities, including permission to create localised websites and organise educational events for beekeepers in your region.

Q: Can I repackage invertobee products under my own brand?

A: Yes, subject to a formal distribution agreement. Products can be supplied in bulk (1–5 kg containers) for custom labeling. Labels must retain the invertobee brand name, lot number, and producer details as required by applicable regulations.

Still have a question?

Contact us at sales@invertobee.com . We typically respond within one business day.