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.
Five 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 poorly documented animals 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.
What we actually check
Each factor has specific, concrete requirements — not vague promises.
Factor 1
Identity Verified
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
- Address is in Texas
- ID is current and not flagged
How to maximize this factor
Submit a clear photo of your driver's license or passport during the application. Verification takes under 24 hours.
Factor 2
Farm Verified
We confirm the seller's ranch exists at the stated address. This can be done via a short video call walkthrough or a satellite + deed review. This stops 'virtual sellers' who have no actual farm.
What we check
- Physical farm address confirmed
- Video call showing cattle on property OR
- County deed/tax records showing agricultural property
- Property matches stated capacity
How to maximize this factor
The fastest path is a 10-minute video call where you walk us through the pasture and show us your current herd. We schedule these within 48 hours.
Factor 3
Documents Uploaded
Registration papers and vet health certificates are the minimum standard in legitimate cattle sales. We verify that uploaded documents are authentic and match the listed animal.
What we check
- AMHR or equivalent registration papers
- Current USDA health certificate
- Papers match animal's description (name, DOB, sire/dam)
- Vet cert is dated within 30 days of listing
How to maximize this factor
Upload clear scans of all paperwork to each listing. DNA testing (optional but impressive) earns bonus credibility with buyers even though it's not part of the base score.
Factor 4
Listing Quality
A high-quality listing gives buyers the information they need to make a confident decision. Low-effort listings — blurry single photo, vague description, no measurements — are a red flag buyers have learned to avoid.
What we check
- Minimum 3 clear, well-lit photos
- Video walkthrough (optional but +3 pts)
- Complete stats: age, sex, height, weight, color
- Honest written description mentioning temperament
- Accurate pricing for the animal's documentation level
How to maximize this factor
Take photos in good daylight showing the full animal, face, and coat. A 30-second video of the animal walking is one of the highest-converting things you can add.
Factor 5
Buyer Reviews
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 this factor
The score is weighted average of your star ratings, scaled to 20 points. A perfect 5.0 across 5+ reviews = full 20 pts. 4.5+ still earns 18+ pts.
Trust Tiers
Three tiers displayed on every seller profile and listing, so buyers can instantly gauge risk level.
The highest trust tier. Seller has passed all identity and farm checks, uploads complete documentation on every listing, and has a strong review record. Safe to transact with confidence.
- Identity verified
- Farm verified
- Documents on file for all listings
- Minimum 5 reviews averaging 4.5+ stars
Seller has passed identity verification and most checks. May be newer to the platform with fewer reviews, or missing farm verification. Generally safe, but ask more questions before transacting.
- Identity verified
- At least partial documentation
- Fewer than 5 reviews OR farm not yet verified
Seller is new to Ranch Hero or has incomplete verification. We still require identity verification to list, but farm and document checks may be pending. Proceed carefully and ask for all documentation directly.
- Identity verified (minimum to list)
- Farm verification pending
- No reviews yet
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, lets their vet certificates expire, 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.
Real scores, real sellers
Here's what scores look like in practice across our current sellers.
Grace Ranch
VerifiedLone Star Highlands
VerifiedBluebonnet Cattle Co.
TrustedWant 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.