Ruffin's Pet Centres vs Bark & Fitz Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Ruffin's Pet Centres vs Bark & Fitz including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Ruffin's Pet Centres Franchise
Bark & Fitz Franchise
Investment $150,000 - $200,000$150,000 - $225,000
Franchise Fee $20,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 4%-
Advertising Fee 1%-
Year Founded 19852003
Year Franchised 19872004
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Ruffin's Pet Centres Franchise
Bark & Fitz Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Ruffin's Pet Centres Franchise
Bark & Fitz Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-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

 
Ruffin's Pet Centres Franchise
Bark & Fitz Franchise
Training --
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising-
Operations 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

 
Ruffin's Pet Centres Franchise
Bark & Fitz Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion NoYes
International Expansion YesYes

Company Overviews

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!

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.