Rank no.125-Wild Birds Unlimited-US

Rank no.125-Wild Birds Unlimited-US


Top 250 Franchise by Entrepreneur-Rank no.125-Wild Birds Unlimited-US

wbu_logoWild Birds Unlimited

Products & Services: Bird-feeding supplies & nature gift items

Number of Locations: 283

Total Investment: $95.26K – 161.83K

Founded: 1981

Began Franchising: 1983

About Wild Birds Unlimited

Jim Carpenter opened the first Wild Birds Unlimited store in Indianapolis in 1981. In 1983 he began franchising, and the company is now based in Carmel, Indiana. Each store sells bird-feeding and bird-watching supplies, including birdhouses, feeders, food and binoculars.

Franchise Units

Year U.S. Canadian International Company Owned
2013 265 18 0 0
2012 262 17 0 0
2011 260 15 0 0
2010 259 13 0 0
2009 261 13 0 0
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing

Total Investment: $95,273 – $161,837
Franchise Fee: $18,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements

Net Worth: $200,000
Liquid Cash Available: $30,000

Operations

25% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).

Finance1

How This Franchise Supports Franchisees

Training: Available at headquarters: 10 days. At franchisee’s location: 2 days. At annual meeting : 5 days.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media,

Franchise Ranking History

Franchise 500®: #125 (2013), #123 (2012), #249 (2011), #306 (2010), #239 (2009),
America’s Top Global: #123 (2013), #101 (2012), #194 (2011), #185 (2009),

At any one of our more than 270 Wild Birds Unlimited stores in North America, our Certified Bird feeding Specialists™ are trained to show you how to turn your yard into a bird feeding habitat that not only brings song, color and life to your home, but also benefits wild birds and the environment.

Based on more than 30 years of research and experience, our bird supplies are designed to be the highest quality bird feeders and bird feeding equipment on the market today. We’re so confident about our designs that many of our products carry a lifetime guarantee.

We also have the freshest bird food in town, and we can prove it. Our exclusive regional blends aren’t just fresh; they’re specially formulated from 100% edible seed that your backyard birds will love.

Wild Birds Unlimited doesn’t just sell bird feeders, bird houses, bird baths and bird food. We pride ourselves on  providing the most accurate information and knowledge about your local birds, including hummingbirds. It is our goal for you to have the best possible experience from your bird feeding hobby. Backyard bird feeding is the most relaxing, fulfilling, educational and exciting hobby that anyone, young or old, can enjoy.

Franchise Business Review
#1 in franchisee satisfaction for 2012 in the category of Specialty
Retail. #10 in Large Class Franchises (systems with more than 200 Units) and #17 overall.

source:http://www.wbu.com