Wild Birds Unlimited franchise

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Wild Birds Unlimited are a retail franchise organization. The business sells birdfeeders, birdseed and other nature-related products to hobbyists and wildlife lovers across North America. 

Wild Birds business details

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 US 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:

  • US franchised stores: Approx. 361               
  • Required Investor net worth: $300,000
  • Required investor liquid cash: $40,000
  • Min. investment: $220,000
  • Max. investment: $380,000
  • Standard franchise term: 10 years

Can I start a Wild Birds franchise?

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?

How much does a Wild Birds franchise cost?

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:

  • Royalty fee: 4% of gross sales
  • Local and regional advertising fee: Maximum of 2% of gross sales
  • National advertising fund: 1% of gross sales
  • Assignment fee: 50% of current franchise fee
  • Audit: Not to exceed $5,000
  • Point of Sale technology fee: $300 per month
  • Store license fee: $100 per month
  • Annual conference fee: $450

Estimated key costs to open a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise:

Key Costs GuideLowHigh
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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Are Wild Birds franchises profitable?

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. 

What is the failure rate for a Wild Birds franchise?

Low. The failure rate for a Wild Birds franchise is 1% to 4%.

Why should you start a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise?

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. 

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What are the franchise territory policies for Wild Birds?

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.

What franchise resources does Wild Birds offer?

Wild Birds support for franchisees includes:

  • Training: Franchisees must attend and successfully complete the three-day training program at the Wild Bird’s training facility in Carmel, Indiana, plus 24 hours of online training modules, nine hours of personal training with a new owner development coach, eight hours of virtual classroom training, and a separate five-day in-store training program at the franchisor’s Indianapolis, Indiana, franchised store location. Wild Birds regularly conduct additional training programs and refresher courses on selected topics. These programs take place at the franchisor’s annual national franchise conference. Franchisees are not required to attend these meetings except during their first year as a franchisee.
  • Marketing support: Wild Birds helps its franchisees with national and local advertising and marketing support. 
  • Third-party financing: Wild Birds does not provide financial support for investors. Instead, you may secure financing from the many independent funders who provide business loans to franchise operators.
  • Technology and innovation: The company offers technology support and access to proprietary software. 

What is the process for starting a Wild Birds franchise?

It begins with an application. Start the process here.

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Starting a new franchise can be an exciting opportunity, but it’s easy to get lost in a maze of business loan applications that can make funding your new Wild Birds franchise like too much hard work. Instead, cut out the hassle and cut to the chase. Swoop has the best lenders for the best franchises across the US. Just tell us what you need and leave the rest to us.

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Testimonials

Written by

Chris Godfrey

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 Wells Fargo Bank, Visa, Experian, Ebay, Flywire, insurers and pension funds, his words have appeared online and in print to inform, entertain and explain the complex world of US consumer and business finance.

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At Swoop we want to make it easy for SMEs to understand the sometimes overwhelming world of business finance and insurance. Our goal is simple – to distill complex topics, unravel jargon, offer transparent and impartial information, and empower businesses to make smart financial decisions with confidence.

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Article sources*
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Swoop requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate.

Franchise funding: https://swoopfunding.com/us/blog/funding-your-franchise-a-guide-for-franchisees/

Profitability: https://sharpsheets.io/blog/wild-birds-unlimited-franchise-sales-costs-profits/

Wild Birds franchise application: https://franchise.wbu.com/franchise-ownership/

Wild Birds: https://franchise.wbu.com/wild-bird-feeding-industry/ 

Failure rate: https://www.vettedbiz.com/franchises/wild-birds-unlimited/

Set-up costs: https://www.franchisedirect.com/wild-birds-unlimited-franchise-costs-fees

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