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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Wild Birds Unlimited vs Pet Depot including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $170,382 - $281,606 | $110,000 - $550,000 |
Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $35,000 |
Royalty Fee | 4% | 5% |
Advertising Fee | 1% | 2% |
Year Founded | 1981 | 1990 |
Year Franchised | 1983 | 2001 |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | * Enthusiastic about nature and backyard bird feeding * Interested in owning your own business and working for yourself * Willing to work with others who share the same interests * Committed to building a Business Enterprise *Committed to delivering the ultimate WBU customer experience *Committed to following WBU 'Best Practices' to operate your own WBU store *Comfortable with the needs associated with running a business | - |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/Yes | -/- |
Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/- |
Equipment | No/Yes | -/- |
Inventory | No/Yes | -/- |
Receivables | No/No | -/- |
Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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Training | On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours Additional Training: Ongoing | - |
Support | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform | - |
Marketing | Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app | - |
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)
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Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | - |
Canada Expansion | Yes | - |
International Expansion | Yes | - |
Named Katie’s PET DEPOT after the founder’s daughter, the store specialized in premium pet foods, pet grooming and quality supplies for all kinds of companion animals. Customers loved the expert pet advice and personal caring service, so the store grew quickly to one of the best places to shop for pet supplies. In fact in 1992, Katie’s was crowned "L.A.’s Best Pet Shop” by Los Angeles Magazine, and was bestowed several more recognitions over the years by local news channels as the "in” place for pets and their owners to shop.
Winning customer loyalty was easy, as we really do care about your pets and their health.
In 1992 Katie’s added a second location in Westwood, then acquired the Mar Vista location in 1994 and grew again by opening the large format store in West Los Angeles in 1997.
The PET DEPOT format was proof that a quality independent pet retailer could compete and grow in a big box world. In fact, most of our customers preferred the personal service at Katie’s PET DEPOT over the impersonal clerks at the larger stores in the area.
To ensure that each PET DEPOT location maintains the personal touch for every customer, we decided to franchise. This allows us to maintain the best relationships with you, while providing the competitive pricing of a larger chain.
At PET DEPOT we believe in pride of ownership, so we incorporate the name of individual franchise owners into our logo. Each of these individual owners receives extensive training and has pets of their own, so they can provide the same expert advice and service of our original PET DEPOT stores. We know that you will appreciate shopping at a locally owned business for your pets needs and the expert pet advice each owner will give you.
PET DEPOT Veterinary Group was founded in 2009 in the Los Angeles area as a
full-service veterinary hospital. The community had been shopping at PET
DEPOT stores for quality pet food and supplies since 1991. Providing
quality healthcare to pets was the next step in our dedication to the
well-being of animals. Our company has grown to over 30 locations
throughout the U.S. and Canada (and counting), with hybrid
retail/hospital locations across eight U.S. states.