top of page

Buyer Terms and Conditions

1. Agreement to Terms
By registering an account, clicking “I agree to the Terms and Conditions for Buyers,” or placing a bid on any lot, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms. These Terms govern all bidding, purchasing, and participation on the CattleLink platform.

These Terms constitute a binding agreement between you (“Buyer”) and CattleLink (“Platform”).

​

2. Buyer Eligibility & Registration
2.1 Only registered Buyers may bid or purchase cattle.
2.2 All registration information must be accurate, complete, and kept up-to-date.
2.3 Registration includes Buyer consent to receive SMS and email notifications regarding auctions, new listings, platform updates, and marketing communications.
2.4 Buyers must be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in their state of residence.

 

3. Binding Nature of Bids
3.1 All bids are final and binding. Placing a bid creates a legally enforceable purchase agreement with the Seller if you win.
3.2 “Accidental,” “mistaken,” or “unauthorized” bids will not be excused. Buyers are responsible for their account security.
3.3 Failure to complete payment constitutes breach of contract and may result in legal action and permanent removal from CattleLink.


4. Deposit, Payment & Transportation
4.1 A non-refundable deposit of $40/head is due immediately after winning a lot.
4.2 Buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for transportation unless otherwise stated in the listing.
4.3 Final payment is due upon cattle arriving at Buyer’s location (“hitting the ground”)

4.4 All payments must be made by:

  • Wire transfer

  • ACH

  • Overnighted check through FedEx or UPS

Buyer understands that priority shipping through USPS will not be accepted. All checks are to be delivered within 24 hours of receiving the cattle. 

4.5 Failure to remit payment on time constitutes Buyer Default (see Section 10).


5. Buyer Inspection, Condition Standards & 3-Day Protection Window
5.1 Buyer acknowledges that photos and videos provided prior to bidding are representative but not exhaustive.
5.2 Buyer must visually inspect cattle immediately upon unloading.
5.3 Buyer has 3 calendar days from delivery to file a Rejection Claim.

5.4 Mixing of Cattle Prohibited During Inspection Period

  • Buyer must not commingle, mix, or sell any of the purchased cattle during the 3-day inspection/rejection window.

  • Any attempt to mix cattle with other animals, sell, or otherwise alter their identity will automatically invalidate any Rejection Claim.

  • Cattle must remain separate and accessible for inspection by CattleLink or a neutral third-party inspector if a claim is filed.

5.5 Grounds for Rejection
A Rejection Claim may only be filed for severe and material issues, including:

  • Undisclosed major illness or injury

  • Cattle arriving drastically outside represented average weight range

  • Mis-sexing (steer/heifer/bull)

  • Significant misrepresentation of class, condition, or quantity

Shrink, stress, or cosmetic differences are not valid grounds.


6. Rejection & Return Policy
A. Filing a Claim
Buyer must submit, within 3 days:

  • Photos and videos

  • Written description

  • Proof of delivery date

Claims submitted after 3 days are automatically invalid.
B. Inspection & Verification
CattleLink will determine claim validity via:

  • In-person inspection (domestic)

  • Neutral third-party inspector (vet, livestock appraiser, brand inspector, extension agent)

  • Buyer-provided video

Inspector findings are final and binding.
C. Remedies for Valid Claims
If the claim is valid, the Seller must provide one of the following:

  1. Replacement

    • Cattle of similar weight, sex, age, and condition

    • Seller covers all transportation costs

  2. Financial Compensation

    • Compensation as determined by CattleLink

  3. Full Return & Refund

    • Full refund to Buyer

    • Seller reimburses original transport costs

    • Seller covers return transport

    • Ownership reverts to Seller

D. Invalid Claims

  • Sale stands as-is

  • Buyer bears all costs and risks

  • No refund or replacement 

​

7. Finality of Sale
After the 3-day window, all sales are final.
Normal cattle behavior, stress, shrink, minor injury, or transport fatigue are not grounds for claim.


8. Risk & Receiving Cattle
8.1 Risk transfers to Buyer immediately upon cattle unloading.
8.2 Buyer must provide adequate facilities, gates, water, and safe unloading.
8.3 Delays caused by Buyer may result in:

  • Holding fees

  • Additional transport charges

  • Liability for animal stress, injury, or death

​

9. Health, Quality & Representations
9.1 All representations are made by the Seller and are believed accurate but not guaranteed.
9.2 Buyer acknowledges normal industry variance in weight, fill, and condition.
9.3 Buyer assumes responsibility for all cattle after the 3-day inspection window unless a valid claim exists.


10. Buyer Default
10.1 Failure to pay, accept delivery, communicate, or comply with these Terms constitutes Buyer Default.
10.2 Upon Default, CattleLink and/or Seller may:

  • Retain deposits

  • Pursue full purchase price recovery

  • Recover losses if cattle must be resold, including price difference, feed, yardage, vet costs, trucking, or other expenses

  • Initiate civil or collection actions

  • Permanently ban Buyer from the platform

10.3 Buyer is responsible for all attorney fees, court costs, and collection expenses incurred in enforcing these Terms.


11. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration
11.1 All Rejection Claims must follow the process above.
11.2 CattleLink serves as neutral arbitrator; its decision is final and binding.
11.3 Buyers agree to resolve disputes via CattleLink before pursuing outside legal action unless otherwise allowed.


12. Platform Role & Limitation of Liability
12.1 CattleLink is a marketplace only; it does not own, transport, guarantee, or insure cattle.
12.2 Any disputes outside the Rejection Policy are solely between Buyer and Seller.
12.3 CattleLink is not liable for incidental, consequential, or transport-related damages.


13. Indemnification
Buyer agrees to indemnify CattleLink, its owners, and agents from claims, losses, or injuries arising from:

  • Transport

  • Handling

  • Care

  • Misuse of cattle

  • Injury to livestock or persons

​

14. No Bid Manipulation
Buyer will not collude, coordinate bids, or manipulate auctions. Violations may result in suspension, ban, or legal action.


15. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, unless otherwise specified.

bottom of page