News & Events
August, 2008 - Annapolis Mayor Proclaims "Wild Bird Center Day"
July, 2008 - Wild Bird Center Winner of Nickelodeon's 2008 Parents' Picks
July, 2008 - WBC Franchisee Receives Roger Tory Peterson Award
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Staff & Bird Store Videos
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Owners and Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Wild Bird Center?
A: A Wild Bird Center store is a specialty retail shop offering a complete line of products to help customers enjoy wild birds and foster a healthy backyard habitat.
Our stores sell top-quality birdseed and private-label seed blends that are field-tested and proven to attract a wide variety of wild birds. In addition to an extensive selection of private label feeders, birdbaths, nest boxes and other bird feeding products, Wild Bird Center stores offer an exciting variety of backyard and nature-oriented gifts and books, plus an additional range of binoculars and garden supplies.
Q: What does the Wild Bird Centers have to offer me as a franchisee?
A: With a franchise from the Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc., you will join over 85 other stores nationwide in creating bird sanctuaries one yard at a time. We get you off to a quick start with our proven program which includes:
- Highest Average Sales and Lowest Cost of Goods in the Specialty Birding Industry. We realize your bottom line is what keeps us in business and we are committed to helping you realize the best return on your investment.
- Comprehensive Training: Our highly praised program is evidence of our dedication to helping you get the most from your store. During training, you'll receive a library of materials, hands-on experience and access to online reference tools to help you become an expert in wild bird store management. Our goal is to give you a "turn key" program for the first twelve months so that you hit the ground running with confidence, while allowing you to concentrate on getting to know your operation, product and customers.
- Store placement and design package. In close association with our franchisees, we select the best spot available for the store, aid in lease negotiation as well as offer a complete design and fixture package that makes coming to your store an experience customers want to enjoy again and again.
- Exclusive pricing on products and services. Our team works hard every day to bring you the most competitive quality and prices available. We qualify, test and maintain vendors and products in order to keep our stores at the top of their game.
- WBCA Community: WBCA's Intranet allows all stores to communicate with each other, download resources and check sales results. Among other valuable features, this site includes discussion forums, information on special purchasing opportunities exclusively for WBCA franchisees, information on new products, sales results and many other features to give each Wild Bird Center owner a window into the industry and materials to help them succeed.
Q: Do I need to be an expert on wild birds?
A: A general interest in nature is helpful and enthusiasm for backyard birding is essential but you need not be an expert.
Q: What qualities will help me succeed?
A: You must have the determination, creativity, and flexibility to apply a proven system of operation to your local situation to make it work successfully. Your personal communication skills are also key to your success. WBCA looks for candidates who project a love of nature and people because these are usually the qualities that are most important to customers.
Q: Do I need prior business experience?
A: Although great experience to have, this is not the usual reason to partner with a franchise organization. We provide twenty years of experience operating retail stores and can offer you the knowledge necessary to be successful. This knowledge includes comprehensive training and support that covers marketing, business operations, merchandising, education, location, etc. Sharing our historic and national experience with you is just one reason why your chances for success are greater with our company.
Q: Can I own more than one store?
A: Absolutely! Multi-store ownership is encouraged.
Q: Typically, how long does it take to open my store?
A: The time required depends on the availability of a superior site. In general, it usually takes three to nine months to open your store.
Q: Are exclusive and protective territories awarded?
A: Yes. Territories are exclusive, protected and defined in your franchise agreement by postal or zip codes.
Q: Is site selection and lease negotiation help available?
A: We will conduct a demographic study of your market, help identify the best sites available, conduct an on-site visit and be fully involved in the lease negotiation process.
Q: Are exclusive and protective territories awarded?
A: Yes. Territories are exclusive, protected and defined in your franchise agreement by postal or zip codes.