> I have my Tennessee Registration number burned into the
> equipment.  This
> helped when they called the cops.  And they relented.  But if
> they had not
> the police could have done nothing.  Whereas a signed
> agreement would at
> least be proof if you had to go to court.
>

Having all of your equipment marked is the first thing you should do. This
may even include the frames. I was told of a case here in Florida where a
number of hives were stolen and thanks to the  branding the boxes were
found. The person who had the boxes then claimed that he "found" them and
that the frames (and bees) were his. The boxes were recovered but the frames
were lost.

Placing signs on the yard with your contact information is another good
idea.

While a case of honey has always been the traditional method of payment, a
canceled check provides better documentation.