NEWBEES
If you are new to beekeeping this is the place to start.  Don't buy a box or a bee without first doing your homework.  There are no right or wrong ways to get into beekeeping (actually, there are some wrong ways), so we're going to give a great step-by-step process for getting started:
1. Take time to clearly define WHY you want to be a beekeeper.  Do you want to help save the bees, cure your allergies, pollinate your garden, or create a secondary income?
2. STUDY.  Don't jump in the first time you think about it; this is not the time to be spontaneous!  Take time to study, meet beekeepers, take classes, maybe attend some local beekeeping association meetings, read everything you can.  You know you have studied enough when you feel like you have learned more than possible, but realize you have a lot more to learn.  If possible, get a mentor that can help you through these steps.
3. PLAN.  Plan what kind of bees you want, what kind of hives, when & where you will put them and how you will manage them.
4. Start with at least two colonies.  One colony of bees doesn't need another one, but you will.  Every colony is different in so many ways, if you only have one you will think that is normal, when in fact if likely won't be.  Two or more colonies gives you a better perspective on beekeeping in general.
5. Don't start with too many colonies.  This may sound contradictory to the last point, but it really makes sense to start with just two or three, or five colonies at most.  Newbees have a lot to learn and a lot to lose with the mistakes that are so common. 
If you want to be a commercial beekeeper and start with a few hundred hives you are on the wrong web site.  Your best move would be to work for a commercial beekeeper first before taking that big of a leap.
6. Buy your hives (whichever style you choose) and get them completely set up before buying bees.  This is especially important if you are purchasing "packages" of bees since they will need to be placed in their hives the day you receive them.
7. Check for Varroa, feed if necessary, keep learning, and enjoy your first year of beekeeping!