Alberta Livestock Listings: Guidelines

More than just caveat emptor - the seller should beware too!

Most of the individuals that you may do business with are honest and trustworthy but only you can protect yourself from those who are not. Fraud by telephone and internet is a serious problem. Visit these web sites to find out more about the most common types of fraud that occur on the internet. Protect yourself by learing to recognize fraud. These sites provide useful information RCMP - Telemarketing Fraud and Online Auction Fraud and phonebusters.

Complaints can be filed on-line or by calling toll-free 888-495-8501. This service is administered by the National White Collar Crime Centre of Canada and is supported by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

If You Are Selling

Be clear on who you are selling to

• are they another farmer or are they a broker?
• if you are selling directly to another farmer then will they be hauling the livestock themselves or will this be done by a third party?
• where will the livestock be delivered to? What is the amount of time the animals will be in transport? Any special handling requirements or costs associated with transport - who covers the additional costs?

• get part payment in advance before the livestock are loaded out of your yard. This should happen when the buyer comes to inspect the livestock and the agreement to purchase is made.
• do not ship the additional load before the first one is paid for

• detailed product description - number of animals, age, breed, sex, weight, body condition, brand inspection, pregnant/non pregnant, individual ID (CCIA tags), etc.
• purchaser's name, full mailing address & phone numbers
• the specific address that the livestock are to be delivered to (legal land description)
• the payment amount
• terms of payment - paid in advance, cash on delivery

• have a detailed livestock manifest completed with brands identified and send the completed invoice with the trucker
• have the purchaser sign for each load (confirmation of delivery)
• have the trucker bring back the payment (or the balance of the payment) for each load delivered

• are they another farmer or are they a broker?
• if trucking is included will they be delivering the livestock themselves? Is the shipping rate fair and reasonable?

• make the trip to visually appraise the livestock and ensure that they are in good condition
• make it clear to the seller that any load which is of a lesser quality than that which you agreed to purchase will be returned to them at their expense
• be prepared to make a down payment at this time but do not put more than 50% down
• confirm animal identification by video recording of livestock being purchased

• detailed livestock description (breed, sex, age, weight)
• seller's name, full mailing address & phone numbers
• your name, full mailing address & phone numbers
• the specific address that the livestock are to be delivered to (legal land description)
• the payment amount
• terms of payment - e.g. part in advance with balance on delivery
• Under the Alberta Sale of Goods Act all contracts for goods sold over $50.00 must be in writing.