The Butchers Marketplace FAQ
Example Yields
(Varies by Cut Preferences)
Approx. 420–480 lbs packaged beef
• 180–220 lbs ground beef
• 60–80 steaks
• 10–16 roasts
• 10–20 lbs stew or cube steak
• brisket, ribs, soup bones, optional organs
Freezer Space Needed: ~16–20 cubic feet
Approx. 210–240 lbs packaged beef
• 90–120 lbs ground beef
• 30–40 steaks
• 5–8 roasts
• 5–10 lbs stew or cube steak
• brisket portion, ribs, soup bones
Freezer Space Needed: ~8–10 cubic feet
Approx. 105–120 lbs packaged beef
• 45–60 lbs ground beef
• 15–20 steaks
• 2–4 roasts
• 3–6 lbs stew or cube steak
• brisket portion, ribs, soup bones
Freezer Space Needed: ~4–5 cubic feet
Approx. 155–185 lbs packaged pork
• 25–35 lbs bacon
• 2 ham portions
• 20–30 pork chops
• 10–16 lbs ribs
• 4–6 shoulder roasts
• 30–50 lbs sausage or ground pork
• smoked hocks and soup bones
Freezer Space Needed: ~6–8 cubic feet
Approx. 80–92 lbs packaged pork
• 12–18 lbs bacon
• 1 ham portion
• 10–16 pork chops
• 5–8 lbs ribs
• 2–3 shoulder roasts
• 15–25 lbs sausage or ground pork
• smoked hock portion and soup bones
Freezer Space Needed: ~3–4 cubic feet
CUT SHEETS &
PROCESSING
A Standard Cut follows the butcher’s recommended breakdown of your order, including a balanced mix of steaks, roasts, and ground meat. A Custom Cut lets you decide exactly how your meat is processed, from steak thickness to sausage flavor, by filling out a cut sheet provided by your butcher.
Yes! Once your order is confirmed, your butcher will contact you. At this time, you can make any changes to your processing order if you would like to make them.
All meat is vacuum-sealed, labeled, and boxed for freshness and easy freezer storage. Most cuts are frozen immediately after processing.
COST SAVINGS CALCULATOR
TBM Price / lb
Savings / lb
Savings %
Estimates use average processed yields (Whole Beef 500 lb, Half 250 lb, Quarter 125 lb, Whole Pork 188 lb).
Actual weights and savings vary.
ORDERING
Start by browsing local Michigan farmers and butchers using our interactive map. Choose your farmer, select your preferred share size (Quarter, Half, or Whole Beef, or Whole Pork), and then choose a butcher to process your order. Both the livestock and processing must be added to your cart before checking out.
Yes, as long as you include both the corresponding livestock and processing for each species. For example, if you add a pork order, you must also add a pork processing option from your chosen butcher.
On average, orders take about 3–5 weeks from checkout to pickup, depending on the butcher’s schedule and order volume.
Once the livestock has been delivered for processing, orders can no longer be canceled or refunded.
This ensures fairness to both the farmer and butcher, who rely on confirmed orders to manage livestock and scheduling.
FARMERS & BUTCHERS
Each farmer and butcher goes through an approval process before joining The Butchers Marketplace. We verify their business information, quality standards, and customer reviews to ensure a trustworthy buying experience.
Yes. After checkout, you’ll receive contact details for both your farmer and butcher. They’ll also update your order status within the dashboard.
Yes! The farmer coordinates directly with the butcher for livestock delivery. Once the butcher confirms delivery, you’ll be notified automatically.
ORDERING & PICKUP
Once processing is complete, your butcher will update your order status and contact you to schedule pickup. You’ll also receive an email and dashboard notification.
All orders are picked up directly from your selected butcher’s shop unless local delivery is available (some butchers offer this — check their profile).
Vacuum-sealed meat lasts up to 12 months in a standard freezer and maintains flavor and texture when stored properly.
PAYMENT & REFUNDS
You can pay in full, use Buy Now, Pay Later services (Klarna, Afterpay, or Affirm), or choose a 3-, 6-, 9-, or 12-month payment plan. Orders are processed once full payment is complete.
Farmers and butchers keep 92.5% of each sale, with a 7.5% marketplace commission. This small fee helps maintain the platform and marketing efforts that bring local buyers to your business.
Orders can be canceled before livestock delivery for a $300 restocking fee. After the farmer delivers to the butcher, orders cannot be canceled or refunded.
SUPPORT
Contact your farmer or butcher directly first — they handle the product and processing. If you need help with your account, checkout, or payments, email [email protected].
Log in to your My Account Dashboard to view order updates, notes, and communication from your farmer or butcher.
Yes! After pickup, you’ll receive an invitation to leave a review for both your farmer and butcher. Your feedback helps future customers choose trusted local partners.
OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS
Absolutely. Buying direct saves 25–40% over grocery store prices per pound. You’ll pay a bit more upfront, but over the year, you’ll save significantly, especially with our financing options.
Quarter Beef: 4–5 cubic ft
Half Beef: 8–10 cubic ft
Whole Beef: 16–20 cubic ft
Whole Pig: 6–7 cubic ft
Definitely! Many customers split a half or whole order with family or neighbors. It’s a great way to save even more while supporting local producers.