Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Free? Really? What’s the catch?
A: You can create an account, post a listing, and view customer requests for proposals (RFPs) on the new HireGoats.com “Corral” platform at no cost. Really. However, when customers purchase your grazing service through the platform’s payment system we will withhold a commission. The commission is currently set at 5%, which is roughly the cost of the transaction fees that we are charged (and that most businesses pay for any type of electronic transaction).
Q: Do I have to create an account on the new platform?
A: No, but we think you’re going to want one. We’re using the second half of 2025 to test the functionality of the new platform. Eventually the platform will replace the old static directory and the existing map function entirely. At that point you’ll need an account for customers to connect with you.
Q: What’s a “listing,” and do I have to post one?
A: Think of your targeted grazing service as a package. It includes a certain number and type of animals and probably a range of support services, such as delivery to the customer’s site, setting up portable fencing, supervision, etc. Give that bundle a description, apply a price to it, and you have a listing.
You don’t have to create a listing, but customers won’t be able to find you unless you do. Simply having an account on the platform does not make your company visible to customers unless you also create a listing. Only listings are searchable (and purchasable).
Having an account without a listing still gives you access to requests for proposals (RFPs) posted by customers, allowing you to initiate contact with them, but not the reverse.
Q: Can I post multiple listings with my single account?
A: Yes, but each one should convey a unique offering to customers. For example, if your company operates out of two distinct locations, with two distinct herds, it would be a great idea to create a unique listing for each. Likewise, if you have multiple herds with distinct purposes — even though they may operate out of the same home base — each one might deserve its own listing. For example, you might have a big herd of 500 goats for serving large property owners, and another herd of 50 goats for doing small suburban projects. You might even have a sheep flock that is ideal for solar grazing. A listing for each is appropriate.
Posting multiple, similar listings without a clear difference between offerings as an attempt to grab customer attention is not permitted.
Q: I don’t like the idea of charging by the day. Why are listings set up that way?
A: Grazing projects that are complex, large, or steered by customers with very specific needs are probably not a good fit for per day pricing. It might be best if those customers post RFPs for their projects so grazing pros can offer customized proposals.
But many, many grazing projects are relatively straightforward and not especially unique. It’s easy for typical consumers to understand per day pricing, and subjective judgement is not needed to determine when the project is finished. Did the grazing pro provide the herd as described, in the manner described, for the number of days selected by the customer? Yes? Then the project is complete.
Pricing this way aligns everyone’s expectations, giving customers the confidence to click the “Pay now” button while they are excited about your offering. Of course, you can help ensure your customers’ satisfaction by giving them additional guidance in your listing description, and in messages exchanged through the platform. You might say for example, “We expect this herd to consume one acre every 3 - 5 days in most conditions, but results will vary.”
Q: Don’t I need to talk to the customer and visit their property before they click “Pay now?” How will I know if the per day price I posted is adequate for every project?
A: Even after the customer initiates a payment to hire your grazing service, you have the option to accept or decline the project. To ensure that every project you accept is profitable, and the need to decline a project is extremely rare, do the following:
Make sure your listing’s per day price is adequate to turn a profit in all but the most extreme circumstances, even to the point of building in extra to cover the unknown;
Use the platform’s messaging function to ask clarifying questions of the customer;
If you insist on visiting project sites before accepting projects, indicate so in your listing by checking the box that says, “Site visit (or virtual site visit) required to validate pricing…”;
Keep your built-in calendar up to date to avoid scheduling conflicts;
Use price variations wisely.
Q: What are price variations?
A: Listings can have more than one price. Customers will select the price variation that applies to them, so keep it simple when you set up price variations for your listing.
For example, if you serve an area that includes three counties you might set up a different price variation for each one. Doing so allows you to accommodate different drive times, hassles, and even differences in local economies. It’s easy for customers to identify the county that applies to them, and therefore self-select a price that is profitable for you.
Q: Why do I have to post prices with my listings? Doesn’t this lead to grazing pros undercutting each other?
A: The platform is designed to create an easy, transparent, and confidence-inspiring experience for customers. Targeted grazing is still new to many of them, and hiding away your prices until the last minute fuels the skepticism they may already be feeling.
Price is just one of thousands of variables that make each listing unique. We recommend that you differentiate your listing from others on the platform not with price, but with features and tone. Are you a certified arborist who’s been helping conservation organizations fight invasive plants with your herd of 150 Spanish goats since 2015? Your listing should be designed to emphasize your experience and appeal to your ideal customer niche. Are you a brand new grazing pro with a crew of 20 Nigerian Dwarf goats? You’ll likely want to appeal to nearby owners of small properties while exuding a fun vibe.
Every targeted grazing customer is unique, and they are looking for a service provider to match. Price is just one minor data point in their search for the ideal grazing pro.
Q: Who can create an account and listings?
A: Any business that is actively engaged in offering a professional service of vegetation management using goats, or goats and other livestock, can create a listing.
Listings for services other than vegetation management (e.g. goat yoga, petting zoos, therapy, as pack animals, etc.) are currently not permitted on the HireGoats.com platform. There’s nothing wrong with those services — they’re just not the purpose of HireGoats.com.
Q: Can I customize the way information is presented in my listing?
A: Yes! Absolutely! And, you definitely should. Tell the world all about yourself, your company’s history and experience, customer references, successful past projects, the breed of your goats and sheep, your favorite grazing strategies, etc. If there is anything unique about you as a grazing pro, or the grazing service you offer, tell the world!
There are two places on the platform to express yourself — in your account profile and in each listing that you post. The profile allows you to post a photo of yourself, a company bio, and a link to a YouTube video. Listings allow you to drill down more deeply, with details about your herd, your methods, etc. You can also post many photos, so get your logo in there along with before/after pairs from previous projects. And, never forget that it’s virtually impossible to include too many photos of cute goats!
Q: Who’s behind HireGoats.com?
A: Goats On The Go, LC purchased HireGoats.com in spring of 2023 from its creator, who was also an owner of a targeted grazing company. We (Goats On The Go®’s owners) greatly appreciated the contribution made to the emerging targeted grazing industry by HireGoats.com’s creator, and we wanted to see it continue.
Q: How do I get answers to more questions, or help with my listing?
A: Send an email to admin@HireGoats.com.