◆ TRUST INFRASTRUCTURE
THE TRUST SCORE
A single 0–100 score that tells you exactly how thoroughly a seller has been verified. Not a checkbox. Not self-reported. Earned through checks we run.
◆ TWO FACTORS, ONE SCORE
HOW THE SCORE
IS CALCULATED.
Each factor addresses a specific failure mode in the cattle sales market. Together they cover the full risk surface — from fake sellers to bad post-sale experiences.
Scores are recalculated every time a new review is submitted or a verification check is completed. A seller's score can go up with new reviews and down if disputes are filed or documentation expires.
◆ THE AUDIT
WHAT WE ACTUALLY CHECK.
Each factor has specific, concrete requirements — not vague promises.
FACTOR
IDENTITY VERIFIED
◆ UP TO 50 POINTS
Sellers submit a government-issued photo ID. We verify name, address, and that the ID is not expired or flagged. This is the baseline — no anonymous sellers.
◆ WHAT WE CHECK
- ◆Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- ◆Name matches ranch registration
- ◆Valid US address
- ◆ID is current and not flagged
◆ HOW TO MAXIMIZE
Submit a clear photo of your driver's license or passport during the application. Verification takes under 24 hours.
FACTOR
BUYER REVIEWS
◆ UP TO 50 POINTS
Verified reviews from completed transactions. Only buyers who purchased through Ranch Hero can leave a review. Reviews are tied to a specific animal and transaction, making them impossible to fake.
◆ WHAT WE CHECK
- ◆Reviewer completed a purchase through Ranch Hero
- ◆Review submitted within 30 days of delivery
- ◆Rating (1–5 stars) + written description required
- ◆Seller can respond, but cannot remove reviews
◆ HOW TO MAXIMIZE
The score is a weighted average of your star ratings, scaled to 50 points. A perfect 5.0 across 5+ reviews = full 50 pts. 4.5+ still earns 45+ pts.
◆ THE TIERS
THREE LEVELS OF TRUST.
Displayed on every seller profile and listing, so buyers can instantly gauge risk level.
The highest trust tier. Seller has passed identity verification and has a strong review record. Safe to transact with confidence.
- ◆Identity verified
- ◆Minimum 5 reviews averaging 4.5+ stars
- ◆No open disputes
Seller has passed identity verification but may be newer to the platform with fewer reviews. Generally safe, but ask more questions before transacting.
- ◆Identity verified
- ◆Fewer than 5 reviews or lower average rating
- ◆No unresolved issues
Seller is new to Ranch Hero or hasn't finished identity verification yet. Proceed carefully and ask for photos, papers, and references directly.
- ◆Identity not yet verified
- ◆No reviews yet
- ◆Limited transaction history
◆ TRUST IS EARNED, NOT GRANTED
SCORES CAN GO DOWN, TOO.
Trust Scores are not permanent badges. A seller who receives a 1-star review, has a dispute filed against them, or is found to have misrepresented an animal will see their score drop. Sellers with scores below 40 are reviewed by Ranch Hero staff. Sellers with upheld fraud disputes are permanently removed.
◆ HEAD-TO-HEAD
RANCH HERO VS.
THE PLACES YOU USED TO SHOP.
Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and the local sale barn all move cattle. Here's what you get with each — and why buyers keep coming back to a verified directory.
| Ranch Hero | Craigslist | FB Marketplace | Sale Barn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identity verification | Required | None | Profile only | In-person |
| Seller trust score | Yes (85–100 = verified) | No | No | No |
| Verified reviews | Only from real buyers | None | Profile ratings | None |
| Health records required | Yes — on listing | Optional | Optional | Brand inspection only |
| Payment protection | Escrow available | Cash / meet-up | Cash / cashier | Barn-guaranteed check |
| Dispute process | Yes — staff review | None | Platform report | Barn mediation |
| Seller removed for fraud | Permanent ban | Flag & relist | Account-level | Blacklist |
| Commission / listing fee | Free to list | $5 | Free | 3–5% + yardage |
◆ IN PRACTICE
REAL SCORES, REAL SELLERS.
Here's what scores look like across our current sellers.
GRACE RANCH
◆ VERIFIEDLONE STAR HIGHLANDS
◆ VERIFIEDBLUEBONNET CATTLE CO.
◆ TRUSTED◆ START EARNING
WANT A HIGH TRUST SCORE?
START THE PROCESS.
Most sellers who complete all verification steps earn a score of 80+ within their first week on the platform.