Draft — in review. These terms describe how the platform works in practice today. We're finalizing the formal legal version with counsel; this page reflects current operating rules and will be replaced when the formal version is signed off. Email
hello@proteinoutfitters.com with questions.
Who we are
Protein Outfitters is a marketplace operated by Stittsworth Meats out of Bemidji, Minnesota. We connect three groups: buyers who reserve a fraction of a real, identified animal; producers who raise the animal; and processors who slaughter, cut, wrap, and store it under USDA or state inspection. Institutions also use the Donation Depot to receive donated animals on behalf of qualified feeding programs.
Your account
- You sign in with a magic link sent to your email — we don't store passwords.
- You're responsible for keeping access to your inbox secure. If you lose access to your email, contact us.
- One person, one account. Producers and processors operate under business accounts that may have multiple staff seats.
- You must be of legal age in your jurisdiction to enter into a reservation.
Reservations
- A reservation is a commitment to take delivery of a share of a specific animal at a specific processor on a specific date.
- You pay a deposit at reservation. The balance is settled before pickup based on the animal's actual hanging weight.
- The "all-in" $/lb price you see at checkout includes the producer's rate, processing, the kill fee (split across the animal), the condemnation insurance pool, and our platform fee.
- The first reservation locks the price for that animal — later reservations on the same animal pay the same price.
Cancellation and refunds
The full cancellation timeline (free cancel >21 days, deposit forfeit 21–7 days, full balance <7 days) and the condemnation insurance pool are described on the Refund & Cancellation policy. That page is part of these Terms.
Producers and processors
- Producers control their listings, prices, and which processor handles their animals.
- Processors set their own kill fees, processing rates, schedule, and capabilities.
- Funds settle through Stripe Connect after the animal is checked in at the processor and again at pickup.
- Repeated no-shows, ante-mortem inspection failures, or quality complaints trigger account review.
What you can't do
- Resell platform-purchased meat as a regulated retail product without your own license.
- Bypass the platform on any reservation that started here (we will close accounts that do).
- Misrepresent practices, certifications, or animal identity. Verified credentials are vetted; self-attested ones are clearly labeled.
- Use the platform for anything other than the buying, selling, processing, or donating of livestock and meat as described.
Disputes
If something goes wrong, email us first — we resolve most issues within two business days. Card chargebacks, when contested, are handled per Stripe's evidence process. Anything that can't be resolved between us heads to binding arbitration in Beltrami County, Minnesota, governed by Minnesota law.
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms. Material changes will be emailed to active accounts. Continued use after a change means you accept it.