Terms of Use

1.1. Role of the Platform. The Platform is a digital marketplace operator that provides the technical infrastructure for the purchase and sale of farm animals by auction. The Platform is intended for professional agricultural market participants – companies and farms – as well as for natural persons who sell animals through the Platform's administered (commission) sales channel in accordance with Section 4.

1.2. No ownership. The Platform does not take ownership of the animals offered at auction, does not physically inspect them and, in the case of direct transactions (see 4.2.), does not act as an authorised agent of the buyer or the seller. FARMSTOCK does not become the owner of the animals but, in specific cases – where the auction has been created or is administered by the Platform itself (LOTS and other Platform-administered sales) – acts as a guarantor of a secure transaction by using the security deposit (Escrow) mechanism in accordance with Section 6.

1.3. User responsibility. In the case of direct transactions (4.2.), the transaction is concluded directly between the Registered Buyer and the Registered Seller, and the Platform assumes no joint liability for the performance of the parties' obligations. In the case of Platform-administered transactions (4.3.), the Platform acts as an intermediary and settlement guarantor to the extent provided for in the Terms.

1.4. Compliance with laws. The user undertakes to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including in the fields of animal welfare, veterinary medicine, food circulation and taxation.

2.1. User – any registered natural or legal person who uses the Platform.

2.2. Seller – a User who offers animals for sale.

2.3. Buyer – a User who places bids and/or purchases animals.

2.4. Auction – the process of selling an animal or a group of animals on the Platform.

2.5. Standard auction – an auction created by a Seller in which settlement for the animal takes place directly between the parties (direct transaction).

2.6. LOTE – a Platform-administered combined consignment that brings together the offerings of several Sellers or several animals and is sold as a single auction with Escrow settlement.

2.7. Commission – the Platform's intermediary fee in accordance with the Price List.

2.8. Escrow (security deposit) – a Platform-administered transaction security account in which the funds paid by the Buyer are held until the transaction is completed.

2.9. Price List – the Platform's applicable schedule of fees, published in the Price List section. The Price List forms an integral part of the Terms.

2.10. KYC – the User identity verification process (see Section 3).

3.1. Mandatory verification. To obtain bidding rights or selling rights, the User must complete identity verification (KYC) using a qualified electronic identification means (Smart‑ID, eParaksts, etc.) or another method approved by the Platform. Detailed information on the verification process is available in the Authorisation and security section.

3.2. Legal representation. If the User registers on behalf of a legal person or farm, by verifying they confirm that they are entitled to represent it and to assume financial obligations on its behalf.

3.3. Natural persons. A natural person who registers in their own name confirms that they have legal capacity and are entitled to dispose of the offered animals. The conditions for sales by natural persons are set out in Section 4.

3.4. Accuracy of data. The User warrants that the information provided during registration and in their profile is true, complete and up to date, and undertakes to update it without delay in the event of changes.

3.5. Account security. The User is fully responsible for the confidentiality of their account access credentials. Any action performed from a verified User's account is deemed to be electronically signed and legally binding on the relevant User (or the company they represent). The User must immediately notify the Operator of any suspicion of unauthorised access.

3.6. Prevention of money laundering. The Operator is entitled to carry out additional checks and request additional information in order to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) requirements, and to withhold or refuse a transaction where such requirements cannot be met.

4.1. Seller status. When registering, the Seller indicates whether they act as a company/farm (a legal person with a registration number) or as a natural person.

4.2. Direct transaction (Standard auction). Companies and farms may create Standard auctions in which settlement for the animal takes place directly between the Buyer and the Seller outside the Platform. The Platform charges only the Commission in accordance with the Price List and enables the disclosure of contacts after the Commission has been paid.

4.3. Platform-administered transaction (LOTE / commission sale). A natural person's animals may be sold only through the Platform's administered channel (LOTE / commission sale), in which:

• (a) the Buyer pays the full transaction amount to the Operator (SIA "Hunter"), not to the Seller directly;
• (b) the funds are held in an Escrow account (see Section 6);
• (c) the auction is approved by the Platform before publication;
• (d) the Seller receives payout only after mutual confirmation of handover (see 8.4.).

In such a transaction, the Operator acts as the counterparty to the Buyer (merchant of record) and issues the Buyer an invoice for the full amount, including applicable VAT.

4.4. Mandatory verification of natural persons. Before selling, a natural person must complete identity verification (eID) in accordance with 3.1.

4.5. Consumer rights. Where, in a specific transaction, the Seller or the Buyer is to be regarded as a consumer within the meaning of the law, the relevant mandatory consumer protection provisions apply. Since live farm animals sold at auction are goods liable to deteriorate or expire rapidly, the right of withdrawal does not apply (Article 16(d) of Directive 2011/83/EU and the corresponding national provisions). This exclusion does not derive from the public-auction exemption (online auctions are not public auctions). The specific conditions are set out in the Buyer protection section.

5.1. Irrevocable offer. Each bid placed on the Platform is a legally binding, irrevocable offer to purchase on the conditions specified at the time the bid is placed.

5.2. Reserve price. In Standard auctions, the Seller may set a hidden reserve price:

• (a) if, at the end of the auction, the reserve price has been reached or exceeded, the transaction is concluded automatically with the highest bidder without further confirmation by the Seller;
• (b) if the reserve price has not been reached, the Seller has the right, within 24 (twenty-four) hours after the end of the auction, to accept the highest bid, reject it or make a counter-offer. If the Seller does not act within this period, the highest bid is deemed to be rejected.

5.3. Price type. The auction price may be set per kilogram of live weight (€/kg), per kilogram of carcass weight (€/kg) or per animal (per head). The applicable price type and unit of measurement are clearly stated in the auction description, and the total transaction amount is calculated in accordance with that price type and the number/weight of animals.

5.4. LOTS. LOTE auctions are Platform-administered combined consignments. The price bid at the close of the auction is fixed and applied equally (jointly) to all animals included in the relevant LOTE. Final settlement takes place in accordance with 6.4.

5.5. Anti-sniping rule. If a bid is placed in the final minutes of an auction, the end time of the auction may be automatically extended to ensure fair bidding. The extension procedure is stated in the auction description.

5.6. Auction end time. A change in the auction status after the end time may occur with a slight technical delay due to automated processing; this does not affect the validity of the transaction.

6.1. Commission. The amount and procedure for applying the Platform's Commission are set out in the Price List. The Commission is calculated and indicated to the Buyer before any obligation is assumed. VAT is applied to the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down by law.

6.2. Commission for Standard auctions. After the successful conclusion of a Standard auction, the Buyer must pay the Platform's intermediary invoice (the Commission) within 1 (one) business day. Settlement for the animal itself takes place directly between the parties, and the Platform is not involved in that settlement. Contact information between the parties is disclosed after the Commission has been paid.

6.3. Escrow for LOTE / Platform-administered transactions. The Escrow security account operates in cases where the transaction is administered by FARMSTOCK (including LOTS). Within 1 (one) business day after winning, the Buyer must transfer 100% of the projected transaction amount to the FARMSTOCK security (Escrow) account. The funds are deposited as security for the performance of obligations and are not paid out to the Seller until the conditions of 8.4. are met.

6.4. Final calculation. In LOTE auctions, the final settlement amount is determined at the time of loading, based on the actual weight or number of animals:

• (a) if the actual amount is lower than the deposited amount, the Platform immediately initiates a refund of the difference to the Buyer;
• (b) if the actual amount is higher than the deposited amount, the Buyer must pay the difference within 1 (one) business day; the handover of the animals may be withheld until the difference is paid.

6.5. Payout to the Seller. In a Platform-administered transaction, the payout to the Seller (the transaction amount less the deducted Commission) is made automatically after mutual confirmation of handover in accordance with 8.4. The Platform does not retain any margin – only the Commission.

6.6. Payment processing and segregation of funds. Payment processing and the Escrow function are provided by the payment service provider Stripe. The Escrow funds (a payment held by Stripe) are kept separate from the Operator's day-to-day operating funds and are paid out only in the cases provided for in the Terms.

6.7. Taxes. Each User is solely responsible for their own tax obligations in connection with transactions on the Platform. Invoices issued by the Platform reflect the Commission and – in the case of a Platform-administered transaction – the transaction amount with applicable VAT.

7.1. Accuracy of data. The Seller assumes full legal and financial responsibility for ensuring that the data stated in the auction description (including species, breed, sex, age, weight, health information and photos/videos) is true and relates to the specific animals.

7.2. Veterinary requirements. The Seller warrants that, at the time of loading, the animals are clinically healthy, fit for transport and have no active medicine withdrawal period. The Seller warrants compliance with the applicable veterinary and food circulation requirements.

7.3. Weighing protocol. The actual weight of the animals is determined at the time of loading on verified scales. If verified scales are not available at the time of loading, the parties agree to use the weight confirmed in the auction application.

7.4. Non-conformities. If the actual condition of the animals materially differs from the auction description, the Buyer has the right to refuse to accept the relevant animals and to raise a dispute in accordance with Section 11.

8.1. Collection period. The auction winner is obliged, at their own expense, to arrange the collection of the animals no later than 10 (ten) calendar days after the conclusion of the auction and the fulfilment of settlement obligations.

8.2. Transport compliance. The transport of animals must be carried out in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, including EU Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport, ensuring the necessary movement and traceability documents (including TRACES where applicable).

8.3. Transfer of risk. Ownership and the risk of loss of or injury to an animal pass to the Buyer at the moment the animal has crossed the loading ramp of the vehicle. In a Platform-administered transaction, this moment of transfer of risk does not alter the Escrow payout conditions (8.4.).

8.4. Mutual confirmation of handover (Platform-administered transactions). In a Platform-administered transaction, the Escrow payout to the Seller is made only after both the Buyer has confirmed receipt of the animals and the Seller has confirmed handover. Until both confirmations are given, the funds remain in Escrow. In the event of a dispute, the payout is withheld until the dispute is resolved (Section 11).

8.5. Preparation of animals. On the day of handover, the Seller is obliged to ensure that the animals are separated from the herd and fully prepared for transport.

8.6. Transfer of accompanying documentation. The Seller assumes full responsibility for ensuring that, at the time of loading, all requested and legally required accompanying documents are handed over to the Buyer in their originals (including, but not limited to: animal passports and a completed Veterinarian's attestation). In the event of missing documents, the Buyer has the right to refuse to accept the consignment, and the resulting logistics losses are borne by the Seller.

9.1. Exclusivity obligation. From the moment the Seller has registered an animal and actively started its auction on the FARMSTOCK platform, and throughout the entire duration of the relevant auction (until the auction has fully concluded), the Seller is obliged to ensure the exclusivity of the offered transaction.

9.2. Prohibition of parallel listings. During an active auction, the Seller is strictly prohibited from simultaneously listing, advertising, offering for sale or disposing of the relevant animals on any other platforms, classified ad portals, social media groups or any other public or private sales channels outside the FARMSTOCK system. This prohibition does not restrict the Seller's right to advertise their active FARMSTOCK auction – the Seller is encouraged to share the direct link to the auction placed on the Platform.

9.3. Purpose of the restriction. This restriction is introduced in order to ensure a fair and transparent course of the auction, to protect the legitimate interests of other Buyers and to prevent situations in which financial bids are placed on animals that have already been disposed of in parallel to third parties.

9.4. Sanctions for breach. If the Seller breaches the exclusivity rule and the animal in the auction is sold or offered elsewhere during the auction, FARMSTOCK is entitled to:

• (a) terminate and cancel the relevant auction;
• (b) suspend or block the Seller's account in accordance with 10.3.;
• (c) impose on the Seller a contractual penalty of EUR 100.

The contractual penalty is not to be regarded as the sole legal remedy and does not restrict the right to claim compensation for actual damages.

10.1. Buyer’s non-performance. If the Buyer fails to make settlement within the specified period (6.2. / 6.3.) or fails to collect the animals within 10 days (8.1.), the Platform is entitled to cancel the transaction. The security deposit paid constitutes earnest money (a deposit); if the Buyer fails to perform the contract, the other party may withdraw from the contract and retain the deposit paid.

10.2. Seller’s liability. If the Seller prevents the Buyer from taking the animals won at auction, or fraud is established, the Seller must cover the Buyer's reasonable "empty run" logistics costs and other direct losses.

10.3. Account blocking. The Platform is entitled to suspend or block the account of a User and of persons related to them in the event of gross breaches of the Terms, fraud or repeated non-performance of obligations. The User is notified of the blocking, stating the reason, except in cases where immediate action is necessary to protect other Users or the Platform. Blocking does not affect the User's already incurred payment obligations; amounts due to the User and not in dispute are returned.

10.4. Proportionality of contractual penalties. The contractual penalties provided for in the Terms are set as a reasonable compensation for damages and administrative costs and are not to be regarded as disproportionate.

11.1. Disputes between Users. A transaction dispute (for example, regarding the conformity, weight or handover of the animals) must be raised by the User on the Platform within 48 (forty-eight) hours after receipt of the animals or the scheduled handover. In a Platform-administered transaction, the Escrow payout is withheld until the dispute is resolved.

11.2. Role of the Platform in a dispute. The Platform may act as an intermediary and, based on the evidence submitted by the parties, decide on the refund of the Escrow funds to the Buyer or their payout to the Seller. The Platform's decision concerns only the Escrow funds and does not restrict the parties' right to pursue the dispute further in accordance with Section 17.

11.3. Disputes with the Operator. Disputes between a User and the Operator are to be resolved primarily by negotiation, by addressing a request in writing to info@farmstock.eu. If no agreement is reached, the dispute is to be resolved in the manner set out in Section 17.

11.4. Out-of-court consumer dispute resolution. A Consumer may use out-of-court dispute resolution by contacting the competent consumer protection authority of their country of residence, and in cross-border matters the European Consumer Centre (ECC-Net). In Latvia the competent authority is the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC, www.ptac.gov.lv).

12.1. Limitation of the Platform’s liability. The Platform provides the technical infrastructure "as is" and does not guarantee that the service will be uninterrupted or error-free. The Platform is not liable for the quality or conformity of the animals, for the performance of the parties' obligations in direct transactions, or for indirect losses (including loss of profit).

12.2. Extent of liability. To the extent permitted by law, the Operator's total liability for any claim arising from the use of the Platform does not exceed the Commission paid to the Operator in the relevant transaction.

12.3. Force majeure. Neither party is liable for non-performance of obligations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond its control (force majeure), including natural disasters, epizootics, regulatory prohibitions, or power supply or communications failures.

13.1. The Operator processes personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Privacy Policy, which forms an integral part of the Terms.

13.2. KYC and verification data are processed and stored to the extent and for the periods laid down by law, for the purposes of identity verification, fraud prevention and compliance with AML/CTF requirements.

13.3. Users' contact information is disclosed to the other party to the transaction only to the extent and at the time necessary for the performance of the transaction (see 6.2.).

14.1. Platform content. All rights to the Platform, its software, design, trademarks and content belong to the Operator or its licensors. They may not be used without the Operator's written permission.

14.2. User content. By uploading content (including photos and videos of animals), the User warrants that they have the rights to that content and grants the Operator a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use that content for the purposes of operating the Platform and conducting the auction.

15.1. User’s initiative. The User may request the closure of their account at any time, provided they have no outstanding obligations or active transactions. Data deletion takes place in accordance with the Privacy Policy, observing the data retention periods laid down by law.

15.2. Survival of obligations. The closure or blocking of an account does not release the User from obligations that arose before the closure.

16.1. The Operator is entitled to amend the Terms. Users are notified of material changes on the Platform and/or by email before the changes take effect.

16.2. The current version of the Terms, with its effective date, is always available on the Platform. By continuing to use the Platform after the changes take effect, the User confirms their agreement to the amended Terms. Transactions already commenced are governed by the version that was in force at the time the transaction was commenced.

17.1. The Terms and all transactions on the Platform are governed by the laws of the Republic of Latvia.

17.2. Any dispute between the Operator and a User arising from these Terms or from transactions on the Platform that cannot be resolved by negotiation shall be finally settled by the Hanseatic International Arbitration Court (Hanzas Starptautiskā šķīrējtiesa, in Riga) in accordance with its rules, before a single arbitrator; the language of the proceedings is Latvian; the applicable law is that of the Republic of Latvia.

17.3. Consumer protection (applicable law). The choice of Latvian law under 17.1. does not deprive the Consumer of the protection afforded by the mandatory provisions of the law of their country of habitual residence (Article 6(2) of the Rome I Regulation).

17.4. Consumer protection (dispute resolution). The arbitration clause (17.2.) is not binding on the Consumer. The Consumer may bring claims before a court of general jurisdiction having jurisdiction over their place of residence. An arbitration agreement with a Consumer may be concluded only in writing and only after the dispute has arisen.

18.1. Language versions. The Terms may be provided in several languages. In the event of any discrepancy, the Latvian-language version prevails.

18.2. Language version for the consumer. In relation to a Consumer, the binding language version of the Terms is the one in which they were presented to the Consumer; any doubts are resolved in the Consumer's favour.

18.3. Severability. If any provision of the Terms is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions remain in force.

18.4. Communication. All communication with the Operator takes place via info@farmstock.eu. Notices to the User are sent to the email address indicated in their profile or posted on the Platform.