Franchise Description
 We are specialty retailers who compete against mass merchandisers by offering a wide selection of high-quality bird, nature and gift products attractively displayed in a beautiful store supported by a staff and owner who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic because they, too, enjoy the birding hobby. The first store opened in 1985 and our business model has been refined over the years by application in markets throughout the U.S. Our model includes site selection and lease negotiation, professional design of the store and fixtures, a computerized point-of-sale/inventory system, and recommendations for opening inventory tailored to your location and the season. Our 10-day training program takes place in the classroom and the Washington, D.C. metro area stores. We produce Wild Bird News for stores to mail to their customers six times per year to build loyalty and maintain interest. We offer stores continuing product research and development, superior products carrying the Wild Bird Center brand, in-store visits by out staff for support and problem solving, and maintain an Intranet linking all storeowners. Prospective owners should have an interest in birds, nature and the environment, but we can help them acquire the expertise.
Training & Support
 Our 10-day training program for new owners includes classroom sessions and hands-on practice in a store. Subjects include advertising, publicity and the newsletter; products and inventory; merchandising and display concepts; store build-out; scientific studies on backyard bird feeding; point-of-sale systems and computer systems; inventory management; the Internet/Intranet, and finance and bookkeeping. One or more staff members visits each store shortly after it opens. WBCA holds an annual convention, usually held at a place and time so that storeowners can also attend national trade shows and gift marts. The annual convention includes training sessions and roundtable discussions. Information about advertising and promotional ideas and materials, new products, special buying opportunities, and management and operational techniques are distributed through printed material and via the Intranet during the year. Intranet online discussion groups and e-mail links facilitate communication among the storeowners and with the company. There is a Franchise Advisory Board elected by storeowners and organized into five regions.
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