FRANCHISE BUNDLE

Get Full Bundle:
$79 $49
$99 $79
$49 $29

TOTAL:

Description

How To Open a Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise?

To start your journey as a Wild Birds Unlimited franchisee, you'll need to fill out an ownership application and complete the necessary background checks. After that, you'll engage in discussions with the franchise development team. If you align with their criteria, you may be invited to a discovery day, where you can learn more about the brand, meet current franchisees, and explore operational expectations. Once you complete the onboarding process, you will be ready to open your store, which typically spans between 1,200 to 1,700 square feet and focuses on selling bird feeders, birdseed, and nature-related gifts.

What Makes Wild Birds Unlimited an Attractive Franchise?

Before committing to a franchise, it's critical to assess its fit for your business goals. Wild Birds Unlimited serves a dedicated niche of bird feeding enthusiasts, offering a range of products that appeal to nature lovers. The franchise has a proven business model, with a supportive network to guide you through training and operations. Initial investments range from $224,273 to $379,309, which includes an initial franchise fee of about $48,799 to $49,199. Franchisees are also responsible for ongoing fees, including royalties and advertising expenses, which can impact your overall profitability.

Why Consider Becoming a Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisee?

Wild Birds Unlimited emphasizes quality products and a passion for nature, which can resonate with customers who are avid bird watchers. If you enjoy engaging with the community and sharing knowledge about bird feeding, this franchise could be a fulfilling opportunity. The brand offers extensive training and ongoing support, which helps ease the transition into ownership. Additionally, you will benefit from an established supply chain and marketing strategies designed to draw in customers passionate about wildlife.

Is Wild Birds Unlimited the Right Franchise for You?

The franchise has been operating since 1983 and has grown to over 340 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Its focus on bird feeding and nature products positions it uniquely within the retail landscape. However, like any business, success will depend on various factors, including location, market conditions, and your commitment to customer service. Evaluating your financial readiness and aligning it with Wild Birds Unlimited's operational requirements will be essential as you consider this investment opportunity.

Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise Financial Requirements

Below, you’ll find an overview of the initial investment needed to launch the business, along with the ongoing fees required by the franchisor to maintain operations over time.

A broad sector defining similar types of franchise businesses.

Industry

Retail Franchises
A more specific division within the broader industry.

Category

Specialty Retail
Available financing options to help start the franchise.

Funding Year

1983
The main organization that owns the franchise brand.

Parent Company

Wild Birds Unlimited Inc.
The key individuals guiding the franchise’s strategy and growth.

Leadership

Jim Carpenter
The official business address of the franchisor’s headquarters.

Corporate Address

11711 N. College Avenue, Suite 146, Carmel, Indiana 46032
The total amount required to launch the franchise.

Initial Investment

$224,273 - $379,309
The initial fee paid to join the franchise system.

Franchise Fee

$40,000
Ongoing percentage of revenue paid to the franchisor.

Royalty Fee

4%
Regular contribution toward the franchise’s advertising fund.

Marketing Fee

1%
The minimum liquid capital you must have on hand.

Cash Required

$224,273 - $379,309
The minimum total assets (minus liabilities) you must possess.

Net Worth Required

$250,000 - $500,000
The typical yearly revenue generated per franchise location.

Average Revenue

$827,579
The middle value of yearly revenue among franchise locations.

Median Revenue

$747,612
The smallest reported annual revenue among franchisees.

Lowest Revenue

$122,868
The largest reported annual revenue among franchisees.

Highest Revenue

$2,686,781
The estimated timeframe to recover your initial costs.

Breakeven Time

15 Months
The estimated period to recoup your total investment.

Investment Payback

60 Months

Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise Unit Growth Summary

A breakdown of corporate, franchised, and total units, with yearly net changes shown in the chart and table.

The overall number of operating franchise locations.

Total Units

333
The number of locations owned by independent franchisees.

Franchised Units

333
The number of locations owned and run by the franchisor.

Corporate Units

0
Units 2021 2022 2023
Total Units 328 331 333
Net Change YoY 3 2
Franchised Units 328 331 333
Net Change YoY 3 2
Corporate Units 0 0 0
Net Change YoY 0 0

Company Background

Wild Birds Unlimited is a specialty retail franchise dedicated to providing bird lovers with high-quality bird food, feeders, and accessories. Founded in 1981, the company has grown to over 300 locations across North America. Wild Birds Unlimited focuses on educating customers about backyard birds and promoting environmentally friendly practices to enhance birdwatching experiences. With a commitment to conservation and community engagement, each store serves as a hub for bird enthusiasts to explore their passion for nature.

Franchise Opportunity

Investing in a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise offers a unique opportunity for those passionate about nature and wildlife. As a franchisee, you’ll benefit from a well-established brand with a proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support. The franchise provides you with access to exclusive products and marketing resources, helping you create a successful retail operation in your local community. This franchise is ideal for individuals looking to combine their business ambitions with their love for birds and the outdoors.

Corporate Structure

Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc. operates as a franchise system under the corporate structure established in 1981. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company has developed a franchise model that emphasizes local ownership and community involvement. Each franchise location is independently owned and operated, allowing franchisees to tailor their offerings while adhering to the company’s standards for quality and customer service.

Royalties

Franchisees of Wild Birds Unlimited are required to pay a royalty fee of 5% of their gross sales. Additionally, there is an advertising contribution of 2% of gross sales, which funds national and regional marketing initiatives. These fees are structured to ensure franchisees benefit from brand recognition and promotional efforts that drive customer traffic to their stores.

Company Mission

The mission of Wild Birds Unlimited is to inspire people to connect with nature through the joy of birdwatching. The company is committed to providing high-quality products that enhance the birdfeeding experience while promoting conservation and environmental stewardship. Wild Birds Unlimited strives to educate customers about the importance of wildlife and inspire them to create welcoming habitats for birds in their own backyards.

Brand Story

Wild Birds Unlimited began its journey in 1981 when founder Jim Carpenter opened the first store in Indianapolis, Indiana. Driven by a love for birds and a desire to share that passion with others, Carpenter created a retail experience focused on quality products and exceptional customer service. Over the decades, the brand has expanded its reach, becoming a trusted leader in the birdfeeding industry. Today, Wild Birds Unlimited is not just a retail franchise; it represents a community of bird enthusiasts dedicated to enjoying and preserving nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

The initial investment to open a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise ranges from approximately $224,273 to $379,309, depending on various factors such as location and existing franchisee status .