Wild Birds Unlimited is a retail franchise organization. The business sells birdfeeders, birdseed and other nature-related products to hobbyists and wildlife lovers across North America.
Launched in 1981 and based in Carmel, Indiana, Wild Birds Unlimited have been offering franchise opportunities since 1983. With a core focus on wild bird feeding, watching and protecting, they’re a major player in the Canadian pet and nature sector. Currently, they operate 361 franchises in the US and Canada and consistently rank high in annual franchisee satisfaction awards.
Wild Birds Unlimited at a glance:
Modest minimum cash and net worth requirements, ($40k and $300k respectively) present a low barrier to entry to a Wild Birds franchise, although you may need financing to meet initial set-up costs of as much as $380k. The good news is, you can operate this franchise as a ‘hands-off’ business by appointing a designated manager to take the necessary franchise training and manage the day-to-day running of the store. Additionally, the company does not demand that you have previous experience in the sector or any retail experience at all. Instead, they say they are seeking investors who are passionate about retail and the hobby of bird feeding, and are motivated to serve their local community. Is this you?
The estimated start-up cost of $220,000 to $380,000 to buy a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise isn’t exactly chicken feed, but it’s moderate when compared to many other national retail franchises. The initial franchise fee is $40,000. Military veterans may be eligible for a 15% discount off this fee.
After opening, you are required to pay an array of ongoing fees and charges. They include:
| Key Costs Guide | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Training fee | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Travel, meals, lodging during training | $500 | $6,000 |
| Lease deposit | $3,000 | $7,500 |
| First month’s rent | $3,000 | $7,500 |
| Leasehold improvements | $26,000 | $87,000 |
| Insurance premiums | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Legal and accounting | $750 | $9,750 |
| Office equipment | $10,700 | $14,500 |
| Retail fixtures and fittings | $21,000 | $40,000 |
| Opening inventory | $35,700 | $44,000 |
| Signage | $5,200 | $10,000 |
| Technology | $1,900 | $1,900 |
| Other operational expenses – first three months | $41,000 | $51,000 |
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Yes. Wild Birds retail franchises generate average gross sales of $619,000 per year. This is 2.5 times the average investment cost of $248,000. The estimated net profits at this level of turnover are 16% or $100,000 per year – ranking as moderate to good.
Low. The failure rate for a Wild Birds franchise is 1% to 4%.
Moderate start-up costs, solid profits, low risk of failure and the opportunity to run the franchise as a ‘hands off’ opportunity can give you the wings to build a successful, long-term business.
Wild Birds will not grant another franchisee the right to establish a retail ‘brick and mortar’ store using the Wilds Birds trademark or trade name within your designated territory. The size of your designated territory can range from a portion of a metropolitan area in a heavily populated city to one or more counties in a rural area.
Wild Birds support for franchisees includes:
It begins with an application. Start the process today.
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Chris is a freelance copywriter and content creator. He has been active in the marketing, advertising, and publishing industries for more than twenty-five years. Writing for Barclays Bank, Metro Bank, Wells Fargo, ABN Amro, Quidco, Legal and General, Inshur Zego, AIG, Met Life, State Farm, Direct Line, insurers and pension funds, his words have appeared online and in print to inform, entertain and explain the complex world of consumer and business finance and insurance.
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