1. Become a registered Buyer
2. Show up on auction day
When the auction goes live, access it directly through the platform. You’ll be able to view lots, follow bidding activity, and place bids in real time.
3. Click to Bid
Log in to access the bidding panel. Your bidding number will be prefilled. Simply click the amount you want to bid and go win your lots!
4. Complete Part Payment
A $40 per head Part Payment is due when you win a lot. Payment must be received by CattleLink within 24 hours of the auction closing. This secures your purchase and is applied toward the total price.
5. Arrange Transportation
Coordinate trucking for your cattle and schedule pickup based on the provided timeline.
6. Cattle Are Weighed & Shipped
On the scheduled shipping day, cattle are weighed and loaded for transport.
7. Complete Full Payment
Full payment is due immediately after cattle are weighed and must be received by CattleLink within 24 hours. For multi-day shipments, this applies to each day cattle are shipped.
8. Receive Your Cattle
Cattle are delivered to your operation. Upon arrival, ensure proper receiving conditions and care.
We will notify you when full payment has been received and confirmed. Until then, cattle must remain separate and may not be commingled, sold, or transferred.
What is a Buyer on CattleLink?
A Buyer on CattleLink is someone who participates in our online video auctions to purchase cattle directly from trusted sellers.
Buyers evaluate lots through detailed videos, descriptions, and CattleLink’s loadout oversight, then place bids on the cattle that best fit their operation.
By participating, Buyers help support a more transparent, efficient, and community-driven cattle market—where transactions are structured, expectations are clear, and relationships are built on trust.
What are a Buyer's responsibilities?
Buyers on CattleLink play an important role in maintaining a trustworthy and reliable marketplace.
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After winning a lot, buyers are responsible for completing a $40 per head Part Payment through CattleLink within 24 hours of the auction closing to secure the purchase.
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Buyers must also be prepared to complete full payment promptly once cattle are weighed on the scheduled shipping day.
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For shipments that occur over multiple days, buyers are responsible for initiating payment each day cattle are weighed and ensuring funds are delivered to CattleLink within 24 hours of each shipment.
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Buyers are also responsible for arranging and covering the cost of transportation unless otherwise stated. Once cattle are loaded, buyers assume all transportation risk and must ensure proper receiving conditions upon arrival.
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Until full payment has been received and confirmed, cattle must not be commingled, sold, or transferred.
These responsibilities help ensure smooth transactions and uphold the integrity of every sale on CattleLink.
How Does the Auction Process Work?
CattleLink hosts live online video auctions on a scheduled basis. Only approved and registered Buyers may participate in bidding.
Buyers receive updates on auction timing, including when an auction goes live and when it closes. A link to join the auction is provided prior to the start and made easily accessible on the platform.
Bidding takes place directly on CattleLink. Once a lot is marked “sold,” bidding closes and the winning Buyer is notified.
Following the auction:
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A $40 per head Part Payment is due within 24 hours of the auction closing
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Full payment is due when cattle are weighed on the scheduled shipping day
This process ensures a smooth, timely transition from auction to delivery.
How Are Part and Full Payments Handled?
After winning a lot, buyers complete a $40 per head Part Payment through CattleLink within 24 hours of the auction closing. This amount is applied toward the total purchase price.
Full payment is due when cattle are weighed on the scheduled shipping day. Buyers must initiate payment at that time, and funds must be received by CattleLink within 24 hours of weighing.
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For multi-day shipments, this applies to each day cattle are shipped.
All payments are made directly to CattleLink, which facilitates the transaction. Direct payment to sellers is not permitted.
Accepted payment methods include wire transfer (primary and preferred), ACH (if approved), and overnight delivery of checks via FedEx or UPS. USPS is not accepted, including Priority Mail, as it does not provide a reliable overnight delivery option.
This structure keeps transactions efficient, reduces risk, and ensures a smooth experience for both buyers and sellers.
Who Arranges Transportation?
Buyers are responsible for arranging transportation for any lots they purchase unless otherwise stated in the listing. This includes selecting a trucker, scheduling pickup, and covering the cost of delivery.
CattleLink may provide guidance or recommendations for reliable carriers, but transportation is coordinated directly by the Buyer
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Once cattle are loaded for shipment, the Buyer assumes responsibility for transportation and associated risks.
How Are Lots Evaluated?
Each lot on CattleLink is documented by a CattleLink representative who visits the operation in person to film video, evaluate the cattle, and prepare the lot info.
Lots are presented based on this first-hand observation to ensure consistency between the cattle and the information provided to Buyers.
In many cases, a CattleLink representative is also present at the time of loading to observe cattle and confirm they align with the original listing.
This process is intended to provide Buyers with an accurate representation of the cattle being offered; however, it does not constitute a full inspection or veterinary evaluation and does not guarantee health, condition, or performance.