Last Updated on August 5, 2012 by DeanR
Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise Information
Wild Birds Unlimited is a franchise for a bird supply retail store. It was founded by Jim carpenter in 1981. He wanted to combine his experience in retail with his passion for backyard bird feeding and nature.
He opened his first store in Indianapolis, Indiana. He realized that there was a high demand for high quality products that helps attract backyard birds. He had customers excited to talk about every bird sighting they’ve had.
He started franchising in 1983 and since have been successful and now having almost 275 retail stores in the United States and in Canada. They have also built partnerships with different organizations supporting awareness in the environment and enjoying nature. Some of these partners are the Chipper Woods Bird Observatory, The National Audubon Society, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Bird Studies Canada, American Bird Conservancy, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, The Organization for Bat Conservation, The National Wildlife Federation, The North American Bluebird Society, and The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Foundation.
What’s in-store at Wild Birds Unlimited?
They have bird food such as bird seeds, bird seed blends, suet products, specialty bird food, and hummingbird food and nectar. They have bird feeders and their specialties are those designed by the founder himself.
He designed his bird feeders in such a way that the birds would be visible to the viewer, easy to fill, easily hung or mounted, easy to clean, and sturdy in any weather. He released the first Wild Birds Unlimited Classic Hopper in 1981 and it has been around for over 15 years. He also designed his own bird house called The Avian Apartments. It was everything that birds needed but at the same time it was sturdy, visually pleasing, easy to clean and monitor, properly ventilated, and easy to photograph for the family. New to their shelf is the Bark butter. They also have the pole system that you can design and construct yourself.
Other accessories available include bird baths, heaters, drippers and misters, and water wigglers. Other needs in bird watching that they have are the binoculars and books in birdwatching.
Costs and Requirements Associated with Running a Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise
You need to have a net worth of $150,000 and a total liquid asset of at least $30,000. They also require that you have a passion for birds, nature and have great people skills. Expect to be investing about $92,000 to $141,000. Franchise fee is $18,000 with an on-going royalty fee of 4%. This is for a renewable 10 year term agreement.
What’s included in the franchise package?
There will be 5 days at the Franchise Support Center and 5 day hands-on training at your location. The training includes backyard feeding training and sales and point of sale training. You will be assisted in finding the perfect location, negotiating the lease, store design and layout. You will have access to a business consultant, support in human resources, and technical support. You will have access to purchasing programs and WBU branded products. For marketing, you will have a marketing plan on a monthly basis complete with materials and market research.
Contact Details
You May Reach Them At:
Address: 11711 N. College Ave., #146 Carmel, Indiana 46032
Phone: (888)730-7108