ErplyErply
Mandatoryf your WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED Store with an approved Point of Sale (“POS”) software that we specify. As of the date of this Disclosure Document, the current approved POS software is ERPLY. You must sele
From the filings
+1.176% units YoYHQ-led decisions
Wild Birds Unlimited
Retail non foodWild Birds Unlimited runs 345 nature-retail stores -- 344 franchised, 1 company-owned -- under a 2026 FDD that names a long list of required technology: ERPLY for point of sale, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Intuit QuickBooks Online, Shift4 (formerly Givex USA) for gift-card processing, and Sprout Social for social media. CEO James R. Carpenter leads HQ, and with only 7 of 263 mapped operators running more than one store, that stack reaches the system almost entirely through corporate mandate.
For software vendors selling into US franchise brands.
Live signals
Total units
345
344 franchised
Unit growth YoY
+1.176%
vs prior filing
AUV
$853K
Item 19, 2026
Royalty
4%
of gross sales
Ad fund
1%
national + local
Initial fee
$40K
per unit
Investment range
$232K–$376K
all-in, Item 7
Procurement
Approved supplier
from the filing
Item 19
Claims
from the filing
Ongoing fee load
What the operator pays every month
The recurring percentage of gross sales named in this filing, before rent, labour or any technology fee.
5%of gross sales (FY2026)
15% reference
Mandated & recommended tech
The systems vendors compete with
7 of these are mandated in the franchise agreement. Each is named in Item 11 of the filing, the incumbents a challenger must displace or integrate with.
FacebookMeta
MandatoryX (formerly Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn) and that displays the Marks and/or relates to the Store or the MyWBU Store. We do, however, have a program that permits you to have a Facebook page for yo
GivexGivex
Mandatoryith the MyWBU Store and the following suppliers currently are the only available source of supply for the specific products and services noted below: (a) Shift4 (formerly known as Givex USA Corporatio
IntuitIntuit
Mandatoryion) (gift card processing and operational support services for our gift card program); (b) 3C (store fixtures); (c) Fast Signs (retail signs); (d) Point of Sale, Inc., Microsoft, Intuit, Resource POS
ReSource Point of SaleReSource Point of Sale
Mandatoryfailover internet system” to protect against disruptions in internet service. We require that all POS hardware be purchased from our approved suppliers (presently includes CDW and Resource POS), with
SalesforceSalesforce
MandatoryBU-branded promotional WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED® 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document 20 items); (g) Howard Packaging (shopping bags and boxes); (h) Sun Coast Packaging (seed bags); (i) Salesforce Marketing
Shift4Shift4
Mandatoryer for the software used with the MyWBU Store and the following suppliers currently are the only available source of supply for the specific products and services noted below: (a) Shift4 (formerly kno
InstagramMeta
rticipate in or use any current or future electronic mechanism that promotes, enhances or offers social networking access or opportunities (such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Linked
LinkedInLinkedIn
r use any current or future electronic mechanism that promotes, enhances or offers social networking access or opportunities (such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn) and that d
PayPalPayPal
I WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED® 2026 FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT 1 DMS_US.375979437.3 understand that I may be required to add additional alternative payment processing options, such as PayPal, Venmo, Pay L
QuickBooksIntuit
Chapter 5: Personnel 14 Chapter 6: Administration 54 Accounting Handbook Table of Contents 3 General WBU Recommendations 2 Choose the Right Accountant 2 Accrual Based Accounting 2 QuickBooks Setup 4 D
QuickBooks OnlineIntuit
54 Accounting Handbook Table of Contents 3 General WBU Recommendations 2 Choose the Right Accountant 2 Accrual Based Accounting 2 QuickBooks Setup 4 Daily Accounting Procedures 4 QuickBooks Online Bil
SnapchatSnapchat
l conduct on our website, intranet and extranet system or other online communications (including, without limitation, blogs, chat rooms, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, LinkedIn a
TwitterX
may not participate in or use any current or future electronic mechanism that promotes, enhances or offers social networking access or opportunities (such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram
YahooYahoo
157 wbu.508@ncbirders.com Road State Franchisee Address City State Zip Country Phone Email Jim & Judy Stoops 5887 Spout Flowery Branch GA 30542 USA (678) 828-7889 WBUFloweryBranch@yahoo.co Springs Roa
Franchisor behaviours
What the franchisor requires
23 requirements the franchisor states in this filing, each in its own words; 7 explicit no's; 4 questions the text does not settle, which is not a no.
Accounting
Must the franchisee use an accounting or bookkeeping system designated or approved by the franchisor?
YesItem 17
If you are opening your first Wild Birds Unlimited Store pursuant to this Agreement or if you have purchased an existing WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED Store, you must use our designated bookkeeping vendor to perform bookkeeping functions for the Store for the first 12 months of operation.
Does the franchisor have direct or independent electronic access to the franchisee's financial, sales or customer records?
YesItem 17
Franchisee agrees to provide Franchisor with access to Franchisee’s network and computers to install and use remote access software (“Remote Access Software”) necessary for Franchisor to provide the remote services to Franchisee.
Must the franchisee submit periodic financial statements (monthly, quarterly or annual) to the franchisor?
YesItem 17
You must submit to us, for review or auditing, such forms, reports, records and financial statements as we may reasonably designate, in the form and at the times and places we reasonably require, upon our request from time to time.
How the franchisor buys
Is there a franchisee advisory council, association or committee?
YesItem 11
We have established a WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED Advertising Council (“WBUAC”).
Does the franchisor reserve the right to change designated suppliers or systems at any time?
YesItem 17
We may from time to time modify the list of approved products and services, and you shall not, after receipt of written notice of such modification, reorder any product that we have disapproved.
How much revenue did the franchisor and its affiliates earn from franchisee purchases in the last fiscal year?
1634348Item 8
During our 2025 fiscal year, we derived revenues of $1,634,348 from franchisee purchases of products for the MyWBU Store Program and point of sale software and installation and maintenance, or 7.4% of our total revenues of $22,718,788, based on our Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Does the franchisor or an affiliate receive rebates, commissions or other revenue from designated or approved suppliers?
YesItem 8
Designated approved suppliers who supply private label merchandise, retailing supplies and computer software/systems to our franchisees pay us service fees which reimburse costs associated with patent and trademark licensing and protection, research and development of the products and support materials, service of…
Item 8 gives this proportion in one of two shapes: separate percentages for establishing the business and for operating it, or one figure covering "establishing and operating" together. Where they are separate, answer with the operating percentage; where the passage gives only the combined figure, answer with that. What percentage of the franchisee's purchases must come from designated or approved suppliers?
50Item 8
We estimate that the purchase or lease of signs, fixtures, products, supplies, and advertising and sales promotion materials that meet our specifications and standards will represent approximately 65% to 85% of the cost to establish your Store and 50% to 75% of the cost to operate your Store.
Can a franchisee propose a new supplier for the franchisor's approval?
YesItem 8
We do encourage you to seek out and test new suppliers and products that match and improve the WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED merchandise mix.
Communications
Does the franchisor own or control the business telephone numbers, or take them over when the agreement ends?
YesFranchise agreement
You must cease to use and must return to us all copies of the Operating Handbook and all other manuals, instructions or materials (whether in written or electronic form) and must relinquish your WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED Store telephone number and notify the telephone service provider and all listing 24 2026 FRANCHISE…
Franchise management
Must the franchisee participate in a customer-satisfaction or net-promoter survey program?
YesItem 6
As of the date of this FDD, you must participate in our retail customer satisfaction survey program, the cost of which is covered by the Advertising Fund.
Does the franchisor conduct periodic inspections, audits or evaluations of the franchised business?
YesFranchise agreement
provide our regular and continuing support services and periodic inspections and evaluations of your operations
Can the franchisor change the operations manual and brand standards unilaterally?
YesFranchise agreement
We have the right to add to, and otherwise modify, the Operating Handbook from time to time to reflect changes in authorized products and services, standards of product quality and services or the operation of a WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED store.
Marketing
Is the franchisee prohibited from operating its own website or social media accounts, or required to use pages the franchisor provides?
YesItem 17
You may not (i) separately register any domain name containing any of the Marks, (ii) operate your own website selling bird seed and nature related products or services (whether or not they contain our Marks) other than the required MyWBU Store online platform as set forth in Section 6.05, or (iii) absent our prior…
Is the franchisee required to spend a minimum amount on local advertising or marketing, as a percentage of sales or a fixed amount?
YesFranchise agreement
you must expend an amount not less than 2% of your Gross Sales for local advertising (the “Local Advertising Expenditure”).
Must the franchisee participate in a customer loyalty or rewards program?
YesItem 8
You must participate in our Daily Savings Club® Loyalty Program (the “Program”).
Payments
Must the franchisee use a payment processor or merchant-services provider designated or approved by the franchisor?
YesItem 17
Franchisee agrees to set up an account with, and pay associated fees to, Franchisor’s approved ERPLY POS System third party credit card processor (as Franchisor may from time to time designate) and any other designated payment providers, to process Customer payments for purchases of Products via the ERPLY POS System.
Must the franchisee participate in a gift card program?
YesItem 8
You must participate in our Gift Card Program (the “GC Program”).
People
Does the franchisor require minimum staffing levels or specific roles?
YesItem 15
The Store Manager must personally supervise the operations of the Store on a full-time basis and he or she may not participate in the active operation or management of any business other that the Store.
Point of sale
Must the franchisee use a specific point-of-sale system designated or approved by the franchisor?
YesItem 17
Franchisee agrees not to use any other point of sale or similar system during the Program Term, except as approved in writing by Franchisor.
Does the franchisor have independent access to the data in the franchisee's POS or computer system?
YesItem 11
We have the unlimited right to access the information regarding your franchise operations contained in your computer system.
Training
Can the franchisor charge the franchisee for additional, refresher or remedial training?
YesItem 11
We regularly conduct additional training programs and refresher courses on selected topics at no additional cost to you.
Is attendance at an annual convention or conference mandatory for the franchisee?
YesFranchise agreement
During the first year of this Agreement and then every other year after that during the term of this Agreement, you also must attend our annual conference and pay the then-current conference fee.
The filing answers no to 7 questions
- Is the franchisor or an affiliate itself a supplier of required products, services or systems?Item 8
- Does the franchisor charge a fee to evaluate a proposed supplier?Item 8
- Must the franchisor approve the franchisee's site or location before opening?Item 11
- Is a minimum grand opening advertising spend required?Franchise agreement
- Must the franchisee participate in a regional advertising cooperative when one exists?Item 11
- Must the franchisee buy products from a designated distributor?Item 8
- Must equipment be purchased from designated or approved suppliers?Item 8
The vendor opportunity at Wild Birds Unlimited
Wild Birds Unlimited runs 345 nature-retail stores -- 344 franchised, 1 company-owned -- and franchised outlets grew 1.2% year over year. The 2026 FDD names a long list of required technology: a POS system, email-marketing platform, accounting software, gift-card processor, and social-media tool, giving a vendor a detailed map of the incumbents already in place.
Who controls software purchasing
Chairman, President, and CEO James R. Carpenter leads Wild Birds Unlimited alongside Director and VP Nancy E. Carpenter, COO Amy Moore, Chief Development Officer Paul E. Pickett, and Supply Chain Developer James G. Lesch. Of 263 mapped operators, just 7 run more than one store, concentrated in Texas (23), North Carolina (20), South Carolina (14), California (13), and Georgia (13) -- so the system's mandated technology platforms reach almost every store through corporate mandate rather than multi-unit buying power.
Tech named in the FDD, and what is actually required
ERPLY is the mandated point-of-sale system: franchisees must sign the ERPLY POS Authorization and Participation Agreement and the ERPLY POS Software-as-a-Service Agreement, and buy POS hardware through approved suppliers including CDW and Resource POS. Salesforce and Intuit are also mandated. Shift4 -- formerly Givex USA Corporation -- is the sole-sourced gift-card processing and operational-support provider. Sprout Social is the only available source for social media, Avalara for sales tax computation, and SaaSy Brands for the store website. Franchisees also must run an approved iPad-based back-up POS and a Windows-based back-office PC meeting minimum hardware specifications, with Microsoft Windows 11, Microsoft Office 365 and ThreatDown security software required.
Procurement, renewals, and timing
Item 8 runs an approved-supplier list, and Wild Birds Unlimited is the sole supplier of its own MyWBU Store software; for most other categories, franchisees may propose an alternative supplier for approval, provided it meets brand specifications. Royalty runs at 4.0% of sales. The FDD's Item 19 figure averages $852,550 across a range of stores from one to over 45 years old, spanning a variety of geographic and demographic settings. Item 17 sets the renewal, transfer, and termination framework that governs when a store's agreement comes up again.
How to read the Wild Birds Unlimited FDD
The embedded PDF viewer below holds the full 2026 Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise Disclosure Document. Talk to FranCloud for a ranked target list across the retail franchise landscape.
Questions vendors ask
Wild Birds Unlimited, answered from the filing
Chairman, President, and CEO James R. Carpenter leads Wild Birds Unlimited's HQ team; with its required systems named directly in the FDD, the technology stack is set corporately, and COO Amy Moore oversees the retail operations those systems run on.
ERPLY is the mandated point-of-sale system. The FDD also requires Microsoft Windows 11, Microsoft Office 365, Intuit QuickBooks Online and ThreatDown software, and names Shift4 (formerly Givex USA), Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Resource POS, CDW, Avalara and Sprout Social as the only available sources for their categories.
345 total stores as of the 2026 FDD -- 344 franchised and 1 company-owned -- in the retail (non-food) segment.
Item 8 runs an approved-supplier list, with Wild Birds Unlimited itself the sole supplier of its MyWBU Store software; franchisees may seek approval for alternative suppliers on most other categories.
Item 17 of the FDD sets Wild Birds Unlimited's renewal, transfer, and termination framework -- the point at which a store's agreement, and its technology commitments, comes up again. Franchised outlets grew 1.2% year over year.
The embedded PDF viewer below holds Wild Birds Unlimited's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document in full.
Source
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FDD alert
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Operator footprint
Who runs the locations
263 operators run 277 mapped locations. 7 of them are multi-unit. Aggregate counts from the filing; no names.
Operators by units owned
Single-unit256
2–9 units7
Top states by locations
| TX | 23 |
|---|---|
| NC | 20 |
| SC | 14 |
| CA | 13 |
| GA | 13 |
Related Retail non food brands
Primary franchise filings · updated September 2026. Every figure is source-traceable and QA-checked.