| ||||
Updated RecentlyWild Bird Centers of America vs Bark & Fitz Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Wild Bird Centers of America vs Bark & Fitz including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
||
| Investment | $120,250 - $195,350 | $150,000 - $225,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4.5% | - |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1985 | 2003 |
| Year Franchised | 1990 | 2004 |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
||
| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
||
| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | -/- |
| Equipment | No/No | -/- |
| Inventory | No/No | -/- |
| Receivables | No/No | -/- |
| Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
||
| Training | - | - |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | - |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, 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) | - |
Expansion Plans |
||
| US Expansion | - | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | Yes |
| 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 Bark & Fitz
Bark & Fitz is a dedicated retailer of fine pet products with locations in Canada from coast-to-coast. As passionate animal lovers, we see cats and dogs as more than just pets; they are family members. We pride ourselves in carrying only the best available pet supplies and food on the market, and in being a top resource for information.
From all natural foods and baked treats to dog gear, Bark & Fitz has scoured the globe for what we believe are the most nutritious, durable, entertaining and stylish products you will find for you and your dog. We have bundled this proven success story into what we believe is the future of specialty dog retail and are offering franchises through master, area and single-unit franchise development across North America.
Bark & Fitz is looking for dedicated and passionate pet lovers with an owner/operator mentality. Applicants should be excited about taking an active role in their new venture and should be comfortable working with an organization where you will be listened to and valued. We reject the all too typical large franchisor mentality where you are "just another store." We are looking for applicants that will thrive in an environment where you have direct and continued communication between franchisee and franchisor and you truly are a member of the Bark & Fitz family.