Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Meatory marketplace (the "Platform"), operated to connect consumers with independent ranchers for the purchase of whole-animal shares and inspected cuts. By creating an account, listing animals, or reserving a share, you agree to these Terms.

You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a binding contract. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and for all activity under it.

The Platform supports two categories of beef, which carry different legal characteristics:

• Custom-exempt shares are processed under a custom-exempt (non-federally-inspected) exemption and are intended for the purchaser household's personal use. Custom-exempt meat may not be resold. Availability and rules vary by state.
• USDA-inspected cuts are processed at a USDA-inspected facility and bear the federal inspection mark.

Each listing states its processing type. The Platform enforces state eligibility rules (see Section 4) but does not guarantee that any particular transaction is lawful in your jurisdiction. You are responsible for confirming that a purchase is permitted where you live.

The Platform maintains state-specific compliance configuration. Listings and reservations may be blocked in states that do not permit the relevant processing type or delivery method. The Platform is launching in a limited set of states and will expand as configuration is added. If a listing is unavailable in your state, it is because the Platform has determined the transaction is not permitted there.

Creating a reservation is a commitment to purchase, subject to seller approval. No payment is collected until the seller approves the reservation and a deposit is requested. All weights and prices shown are estimates; the final price is calculated from the actual hanging weight after harvest and may differ from the estimate. By reserving a custom-exempt share, you acknowledge the custom-exempt disclosure and attest that the share is for personal use and will not be resold.

Customer payments are collected by the Platform and held until fulfillment. Farmers receive payouts through a connected account after fulfillment is confirmed and no payment holds (including disputes or reviews) are active. The Platform retains a commission on each transaction.

You may cancel a reservation before the deposit is submitted at no cost. Cancellation and refund terms after a deposit is collected are governed by the reservation lifecycle and applicable law. Refunds are processed through the Platform.

Sellers attest to ownership of the animals they list, the accuracy of their farm and practice claims, and compliance with applicable state and local requirements. Sellers are responsible for coordinating harvest, processing, and pickup or delivery.

Buyers are responsible for completing cut sheets with the processor, arranging pickup, and ensuring adequate freezer storage. Buyers acknowledge that custom-exempt meat is for personal consumption only.

The Platform relays messages between buyers and sellers tied to a specific listing or reservation. The Platform does not expose personal email addresses or phone numbers in relayed messages. Messages must relate to the marketplace transaction; abuse, harassment, or off-platform solicitation may result in account suspension.

The Platform acts as a venue connecting buyers and sellers and is not a party to the underlying sale of livestock or meat. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Platform is not liable for the quality, safety, or fitness of the product, nor for the acts or omissions of buyers or sellers.

You agree to first attempt to resolve disputes directly with the other party through the Platform's messaging. The Platform may, at its discretion, mediate payment disputes. These Terms are governed by the laws of the state in which the Platform is organized.

The Platform may update these Terms. Material changes will require renewed acceptance. The version number and date above identify the current version.

For questions about these Terms, contact the Platform through the in-app support channel.