Livestock Sales Price Quotation

You must specify a standard shrinkage percentage, typically between 2% and 4% for overnight stands or long hauls, directly in your quotation terms. This clause outlines whether the animals will be weighed on certified farm scales or at the delivery point to establish the final billable weight. Defining this upfront prevents financial losses from natural weight loss during transport.

Most commercial livestock transactions require a non-refundable deposit of 10% to 20% to secure the animals and hold the delivery date. The remaining balance is typically settled via wire transfer, certified check, or letter of credit immediately prior to or upon load-out. Net terms are rarely extended to unverified buyers due to the high value of live inventory.

Yes, listing the specific vaccination protocols, health certificates, and testing completed adds value and justifies your pricing. Buyers often pay a premium for preconditioned animals with verified health histories, so highlighting this on the quote builds immediate confidence. It also ensures both parties agree on the health standards before transport begins.

A livestock quotation should be valid for no more than 7 to 14 days due to volatile feed costs and fluctuating market prices. Setting a short validity window protects your profit margins from sudden market drops or unexpected increases in daily maintenance costs. Always state the exact expiration date clearly near the top of the document.