Frequently Asked Questions
New here? Start with these questions to get a feel for how things work._
🪧 Who can use The Flock Market?
Anyone in the farm, fiber, or homestead world! We welcome breeders, shepherds, shearers, makers, ranchers, trainers, service providers, and beyond. If your life involves livestock, land, or handmade goods—this is your space.
🪧 What kind of things can I list?
- Livestock: Sheep, goats, cows, alpacas, and more.
- Genetics: Rams for hire, semen straws, embryos, and AI services.
- Handcrafts: Yarn, roving, felted goods, rugs, wearables, and more.
- Services: Shearing, hoof trimming, vet care, transport, training, etc.
- Supplies: Equipment, feeders, minerals, supplements, hay, straw, and more.
🪧 Can I list animals for sale here?
Yes—as long as you follow your local laws. The Flock Market is a platform for connecting independent buyers and sellers, but we don’t own, manage, or verify animal listings. That means it’s your responsibility to follow all regulations around the sale and transport of live animals in your area (local, state, federal, or international).
We recommend doing your homework before posting or purchasing animals—including any paperwork, health certifications, or travel requirements that may apply. If in doubt, check with a vet or your local agricultural authority before proceeding.
The Flock Market is here to make connections easier, but we can’t be held responsible for the outcome of any animal sales or trades. Let’s keep it safe, ethical, and legal for everyone involved.
🪧 How do I get started?
Head to the Getting Started page for a walkthrough on setting up your profile, crafting great listings, and getting the most out of the platform.
🪧 Is it free to join?
Yes! It’s free to create an account, browse listings, and start connecting. Some features (like premium placement or booking tools) may include fees down the line, but joining is totally free.
🪧 How do I become a provider?
When setting up your profile, select “Provider” as your user type. Then fill out your specialties and offerings so buyers can find you more easily.
You can edit your profile here to add your farm name, services, and a friendly intro.
🪧 Do I need to be a Valais Blacknose breeder to use this?
Nope. We started with sheep, but this space is built for anyone working with livestock, land-based goods, or farm-focused services.
🪧 What if I need help?
You can always contact us here or message us on Instagram @theflockmarket.
🪧 How do transactions work?
You can choose to handle payments off-platform or connect Stripe to use built-in booking and transaction tools.
More info on Stripe setup coming soon—or feel free to process off-platform in the meantime.
🪧 How does booking a service work?
When you book a service on The Flock Market—whether it’s hoof trimming, shearing, mentorship, or another on-site offering—your request goes directly to the provider. You’ll select your preferred date(s), and the provider will review and either confirm or follow up to adjust timing based on availability or travel routes.
Once confirmed, you’ll receive a message with next steps. Payment may be handled through the platform or directly with the provider, depending on how their listing is set up.
Be sure to read each listing carefully. Many services include expectations for travel radius, biosecurity, or handling setup.
🪧 What’s the cancellation, rescheduling, or refund policy?
Each service provider sets their own policies. Some may offer full refunds with advance notice, while others may retain a deposit or charge a fee for short-notice changes.
You’ll find details in each listing. If you need to cancel or reschedule, message the provider as early as possible to coordinate.
If a provider needs to make a change, they’re expected to contact you promptly and offer alternatives. Communication is key—and we’re here to help if needed.
🪧 Still stuck?
Contact us here and we’ll help you get sorted.