Co-operation Model of the Bumblebee Plus Group with Producers and Vendors of Bumblebee Supplies
Here we define the main principles of our cooperation with bumblebee supplies manufacturers and retailers.
We consider this definition to be a clear delimitation of our role, so that we remain independent and impartial.
Our aim is to support bumblebees and bumblebee breeders, leaving sales and profit to others. We want what someone produces and sells for breeders to serve them well. Therefore, we support those sellers and manufacturers who share our goals.
A) The main principles of our work on the development and innovation of products for bumblebee breeders
- We are working on the continuous development and improvement of products for bumblebee breeders. We respond to new opportunities, environmental changes, and breeders' experiences, both within Čmeláci PLUS and externally.
- We do not and will not engage in product-specific advertising; we are and will remain independent.
- We don't have sponsors, we don't earn anything for our work (exceptions may apply for specific solutions and tests that cost us significant effort and financial resources).
- We expect the Manufacturer/Seller, by mutual agreement (see below), to cite our group "Čmeláci PLUS" as the source that provided the solution and consultation. We consider this a matter of courtesy. This includes citing the authors, the group's name, and a brief annotation promoting bumblebees and their breeding (text to be provided). A link to the website will also be included. www.cmelaciplus.cz a FB Bumblebees PLUS
- It goes without saying that not all products for bumblebee keeping need to be approved by us. However, if we do not see any obvious defects with them, we will not comment negatively on them, nor will we distance ourselves from them – not even in a specific address. At most, we will issue a statement from the Čmeláci PLUS group describing our opinion.
- We are also open to being listed by Manufacturers/Sellers as a group supporting bumblebees and their keepers, following an agreement. However, this should be by agreement and only for those Manufacturers/Sellers for whom we have no fundamental objections to their products.
B) Defects and shortcomings of products for bumblebee husbandry
- If we find any defects, we will report them directly to the Manufacturer/Seller.
- If the manufacturer/retailer responds promptly and shows a genuine willingness to resolve the issue (e.g. by responding to our request and addressing the community of breeders (customers) with a message such as: „Yes, we are aware of the issue; we will resolve it by [date] and rectify the fault. In the meantime, here is a temporary solution>“)“
This is fine for Čmeláci PLUS, and we consider this approach by the Manufacturer/Seller to be correct. If you have any questions, we will share this manufacturer's response through our information channels. - If you are interested, we can then provide the Manufacturer with a free consultation (excluding production technology, where our options are limited).
- We will review the proposed solution to the problem during the consultation. If it is satisfactory and tests prove that the problem has been resolved, we will be happy to support the change on our information channels (anonymously, we do not advertise).
- If the Manufacturer takes a negative stance on the matter (i.e. does not respond or show interest in resolving the defect), we will have to address the community directly about the problem and suggest a temporary solution/modification ourselves.
- If the Manufacturer should behave improperly and attack us, we will respond accordingly.
C) News/innovations from Čmeláci PLUS and their use by the Manufacturer/Seller
- By mutual agreement with the interested party (the Manufacturer), we can provide news from our workshop for the Manufacturer's use.
- Unless otherwise stated, we will make the news item available for free, provided that the following conditions are met:
The authors of the solution and the Čmeláci PLUS group will be stated by the Manufacturer
2. We reserve the right to review in advance how the solution provided by us has been applied. The aim is to verify that its functionality and related instructions are in accordance with our design and are produced to the required quality. - An exception may be made for particularly significant novelties/innovations that were achieved at the cost of our development and testing expenses. These were financed by the private funds of the members of the Čmeláci PLUS group.
D) Solutions from other authors
- Following an agreement with the Seller/Manufacturer, we can provide free consultations on novelties and solutions other than those originating from Čmeláci PLUS.
- Such solutions can also be provided with statements that are not commercial or advertising in nature.
- Following an agreement, the statements from Bumblebees PLUS may be used as proof of the functionality of the given solution/product.
