Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$224,273 - $379,309
Franchise Fee
$1,000
Total US Locations
340
Business Summary
Wild Birds Unlimited operates retail stores that specialize in selling birdfeeders, birdseed, and a variety of nature-related gifts. The stores aim to provide a retail experience that helps customers enjoy wild birds and enhance their appreciation of nature by offering expert advice, high-quality products, and a pleasant shopping environment.
Corporate History
Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc. was incorporated in Indiana on June 8, 1983. The company has been franchising retail stores that sell birdfeeders, birdseed, and nature-related gifts since 1983. Currently, Wild Birds Unlimited does not operate any company-owned stores, though it may choose to do so in the future. In early 1989, the company began offering franchises in Canada under the Wild Birds Nature Shop trademark, which later converted to the WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED® trademark by June 1995.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$224,273 - $379,309
Franchise Fee (Low)
$1,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$40,000
Royalty %
4%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$70,143
Equipment Costs (High)
$171,858
Working Capital
$56,907
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Wild Birds Unlimited's financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 have received an unqualified opinion from their independent auditor, indicating that the statements present the financial position fairly in all material respects. The auditor's report does not raise any substantial doubt about Wild Birds Unlimited's ability to continue as a going concern.
Financing Details
Wild Birds Unlimited does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The company also does not guarantee any franchisee notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
340
Franchised Units
340
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
1,450
Franchising Since
1983
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Wild Birds Unlimited has no litigation to report in this section of the disclosure document.
Bankruptcy History
Wild Birds Unlimited has no bankruptcy history to report for the franchisor, its predecessors, parents, affiliates, or any of its executives.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Wild Birds Unlimited franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew between 6 and 12 months before their agreement expires. They must not be in default of any agreement with Wild Birds Unlimited and must have substantially complied with all terms during the initial term. Franchisees are required to sign Wild Birds Unlimited's then-current franchise agreement, which may have different terms, including potentially higher fees and changes to territorial rights. They must also perform any required remodeling, repairs, replacements, and redecoration to bring their store, equipment, and fixtures in line with current standards. Additionally, franchisees must either maintain possession of their current approved store premises or secure and develop a new approved location, ensure their inventory and services meet current specifications, and, if not prohibited by law, sign a general release of claims against Wild Birds Unlimited. If it has been more than 18 months since they last attended the training program, they may be required to complete it again.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Wild Birds Unlimited provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, the company helps with site selection and lease evaluation, and provides specifications and advice for the store's layout, decor, equipment, furnishings, and signs. Franchisees receive initial training that covers all aspects of operating a Wild Birds Unlimited store, including ordering, budgeting, merchandising, and customer service. They also receive a list of approved suppliers and merchandise recommendations. On an ongoing basis, Wild Birds Unlimited provides a Business Coach to advise on operations, sales techniques, management, and bookkeeping. The company offers continuing consultation and periodic inspections and evaluations of store operations. While franchisees generally set their own prices, Wild Birds Unlimited may offer pricing policy suggestions and reserves the right to enforce minimum and maximum advertised prices for online sales. Regular additional training programs and refresher courses are conducted at the annual national franchise conference, which franchisees are strongly encouraged to attend (and required for their first year and first year of renewal term) at no additional fee beyond their travel expenses. Franchisees also have access to an internal electronic network, 'The Nest,' for communication.
Initial Training Hours
119
Training Location
Carmel, Indiana, online and at a Certified pre-approved Wild Birds Unlimited Training Store location
Ongoing Support
After opening, Wild Birds Unlimited franchisees receive continuous support including guidance from a Business Coach on sales techniques, store management, and bookkeeping. The company also provides ongoing consultation and conducts periodic inspections and evaluations of store operations. Franchisees are encouraged to attend regular additional training programs and refresher courses offered at the annual national franchise conference at no additional cost, though attendance is mandatory during their first year of operation and the first year of each renewal term. An internal electronic network called 'The Nest' is also available to facilitate electronic communication and provide resources. Additionally, Wild Birds Unlimited may suggest pricing policies and enforce minimum advertised pricing for its online platform, MyWBU Store.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Wild Birds Unlimited is looking for individuals and their staff who are bird feeding hobbyists and nature enthusiasts. Prospective franchisees need to be thoroughly trained in the hobby of backyard bird feeding to provide advice and a pleasant shopping experience to customers.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
supervisory
Territory Type
Protected
Staff Count
3
Territory Size Requirements
Wild Birds Unlimited grants franchisees a protected "Designated Territory," which is detailed in Appendix A of the Franchise Agreement. The size of this territory varies, ranging from a portion of a metropolitan statistical area in a heavily populated city to one or more counties in a rural area. The Franchise Agreement also specifies the exact location of the Wild Birds Unlimited store within its Designated Territory. Franchisees should be aware that these designated territories may adjoin each other, potentially placing franchised stores in close proximity near common territory boundaries. Therefore, Wild Birds Unlimited advises franchisees to investigate the locations of stores in neighboring territories when choosing a site.
Staffing Notes
Wild Birds Unlimited requires that the store always be under the direct control and supervision of either the franchisee, a managing partner, a managing shareholder, or a designated Store Manager who has successfully completed the company's initial training program. This Store Manager must personally supervise the store's operations full-time and cannot manage any other business activity that would conflict with their ability to properly oversee the store. If the franchisee is an individual, Wild Birds Unlimited recommends that they serve as the fully-trained Store Manager. The company emphasizes that the franchisee is the sole employer of their staff and is responsible for all employment decisions, training, wages, benefits, and related matters. Wild Birds Unlimited's training and support are intended to protect the brand and assist the franchisee, not to control their day-to-day operations or employment responsibilities.