#125
At a Glance
Products & Services: Bird-feeding supplies & nature gift items
Number of Locations: 288
Total Investment: $99.83K - 157.34K
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 | 270 | 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: $99,832 - $157,344
Franchise Fee: $18,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
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).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
| Franchise Fee | ||
| Startup Costs | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Inventory | ||
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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
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