LOL Perry.. with the leather and cloth gloves its easier to pretend NOTHING degrading is about to happen!!!
I have ten LOCAL Nuc's ordered for spring at $85.00 ea, but I provided the Nuc boxes. I made this arrangement to benefit both of us. His queens/bees/frames in my boxes.
Finding someone local will have more benefits than is immediately apparent.
I will be helping one beekeeper go through Nuc's to catch queens he needs to ship or deliver. Another I will be aiding doing spring splits, and a third has promised to show me his grafting method in return for helping him set up those grafts and starter colonies.. I get to learn their methods, and make good friends.
So ask some questions, find a local club. Take a local beekeeping class or two, or three, and don't be afraid to ask questions and talk to people. The majority of those folks will be happy to talk, and probably help.