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Updated RecentlyWild Bird Centers of America vs Ruffin's Pet Centres Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Wild Bird Centers of America vs Ruffin's Pet Centres including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $120,250 - $195,350 | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $20,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4.5% | 4% |
| Advertising Fee | - | 1% |
| Year Founded | 1985 | 1985 |
| Year Franchised | 1990 | 1987 |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 5 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 5 years |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/No |
| Equipment | No/No | No/No |
| Inventory | No/No | No/No |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | - |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising |
| Operations |
3% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 5
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
0% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
About Wild Bird Centers of America
Longtime bird-watching enthusiast George H. Petrides Sr. opened his first Wild Bird store in 1985 in Cabin John, Maryland. In 1990 the company began franchising. In addition to its Wild Bird Centers of America Inc., the company also offers Wild Bird Crossing stores designed for smaller markets.
Besides selling bird watching and feeding equipment and gifts, Wild Bird Centers and Wild Bird Crossings provide demonstrations, kids' programs and other educational events.
Wild Bird Centers has locations throughout the United States and Canada and is now based in Glen Echo, Maryland.
About Ruffin's Pet Centres
Ruffin's Pet Centre started in a small town in Southern Ontario. The founder of the company opened a retail outlet after observing first-hand the success of a discount pet food chain. By combining the best features of a pet store with the benefits of a pet food store - the store was an immediate success. The pet industry proved to a growing enterprise and led to franchising, with the first store sold in September 1986 in Grimsby, Ontario. Since then we have added a 10,000 sq ft warehouse, hundreds of private label products and the most comprehensive line of pet food in the industry. After decades of success Ruffin's continues to provide pet owners the best products, selection and price. Ruffin's also provides a fantastic opportunity for pet business ownership with two retail pet franchise concepts available. Overall Ruffin's is the number one choice for success with pets!