|
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Wild Bird Centers of America vs Animal Adventure including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
||
Investment | $120,250 - $195,350 | $199,000 - $345,000 |
Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 |
Royalty Fee | 4.5% | 4% |
Advertising Fee | - | - |
Year Founded | 1985 | 1999 |
Year Franchised | 1990 | 2000 |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
||
Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
||
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 |
||
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, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations |
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: 12 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
||
US Expansion | - | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | No |
International Expansion | Yes | No |
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.
Mike Edwards founded Animal Adventure in Milwaukee in 1999. Each store sells birds, tropical fish, small mammals, pet food and products.