Pricing and weigh-in
Version 2026-07-v1 · Last updated 29 July 2026
The price shown on a listing is, in almost every case, the price you pay. For the small number of animals sold by live weight, the final amount is determined objectively, on a certified scale, and this policy explains that process in full, so that there is never any uncertainty about how your total is reached.
Animals sold at a fixed price
Most animals on The Cattle Exchange are sold at a fixed price per head. The figure shown on the listing is the amount you pay, and it does not change after purchase. The weight and age recorded on such a listing are provided to help you make an informed choice; they have no bearing on the price. Payment is made once, at checkout, and nothing further is settled afterwards.
Animals sold by live weight
A limited number of animals are sold by live weight, at a stated rate per kilogram. Because an animal’s precise weight can only be established when it is weighed, these listings show the rate together with an estimated total, based on an estimated weight range. The final price is calculated when the animal is weighed on a certified scale, on the day of collection or loading, and you are given the weighing record. For purchases of this kind you pay a deposit at checkout, and the balance, or any refund, is settled against the actual weight once it is known.
Variance between the estimate and the final weight
Livestock naturally gain and lose weight, and so the final figure may differ from the estimate. We publish a tolerance band and treat anything beyond it as a matter for your decision rather than ours. Where the final weight falls within eight percent of the estimate, we simply settle the difference, whether in your favour or in ours. Where it exceeds the estimate by more than eight percent, we contact you before charging any additional amount, and you may either accept the higher figure or cancel the order for a full refund. Where it falls short of the estimate by more than eight percent, we refund the difference automatically and explain the reason.
If you question a weighing
Weighing is carried out on a certified scale and recorded, and the record is provided to you. Should you have any concern about a recorded weight, please raise it with us before the animal is moved onward, and we will re-check it with you. Our details are on the contact page, and it assists us if you have your order reference to hand.