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Updated RecentlyWild Birds Unlimited vs Bark & Fitz Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Wild Birds Unlimited vs Bark & Fitz 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 | $150,000 - $225,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% | - |
| Advertising Fee | 1% | - |
| Year Founded | 1981 | 2003 |
| Year Franchised | 1983 | 2004 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
About Wild Birds Unlimited
- Rated #1 or #2 in Retail for Franchisee Satisfaction for 14 years
- Rated in Top 10 Overall for Franchisee Satisfaction for more than 6 years
- Proven, 35+ year business model
- Our pre-opening support covers business planning, site selection, lease negotiations, classroom and in-store training, store design and layout
- Our on-going support includes marketing, merchandising and purchasing, store operations, nature and hobby education, financial and information systems
- Strong customer loyalty by providing an exceptional customer experience and the highest quality bird food and bird feeding products in the industry
- Many US and Canadian markets are still available for development
Veteran Incentives 15% off franchise fee
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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.