Bird feeders can attract many types of birds to your yard.
Advances in bird feeder materials and technology have driven a growth in back yard bird feeding. The website Bird Watchers Digest notes that, in 2010, tube feeders are frequently made of heavy, durable plastic. Other feeders are constructed from durable woods or recycled materials. Consumers have spurred the development of feeders that are easy to fill and clean. Manufacturers have also created different feeder configurations to accommodate multiple diners and several species. There are even specialty feeders that cater to species such as bluebirds, woodpeckers and orioles.
Instructions
1. Structure your bird feeder business. Meet with a certified public accountant to select your business structure. Consult with a commercial insurance agent familiar with small retail businesses. Visit your city or county clerk's office for a business license. Contact your state Department of Revenue to obtain a sales tax license.
2. Find your bird feeder store location. Select a visible location accessible from major highways and with plenty of parking. Look for a site near family-oriented businesses such as grocery stores and day care centers. Ensure that your store has a display window to showcase a rotating collection of bird feeders. Work with a sign maker to create colorful signage for your storefront, front window and interior displays. Purchase display fixtures and shelving for your products.
3. Analyze the regional bird feeder market. Identify your regional competition before you choose your product line. Big box stores and home improvement centers commonly carry bird feeders, although stock is generally limited to feeders that appeal to multiple bird species. Examples include cylinder-style finch feeders and suet block feeders.
In medium- to larger-sized cities, specialty bird stores feature bird feeders of varied materials and configurations. Products include larger-volume top-fill feeders, feeders made of recycled composite materials and elaborate multi-feeder stations with squirrel-resistant baffles. Online bird feeder suppliers are also competitors.
4. Order your wholesale bird feeders. Exploit unfilled niches in the bird feeder market. For example, your region may host bird species drawn to one type of food. Locate a feeder that showcases that food and allows enthusiasts to watch the birds' feeding behaviors. Order those feeders in volume and position your store as the preferred supplier for those products. Purchase a cross-section of economical feeders as well as higher-end feeders for the upscale market. Purchase feeder accessories and bird food as add-on products (See Resources). Finally, investigate local sources of handcrafted bird feeders.
5. Host a grand opening bird feeder bonanza. Showcase all bird feeders along with their recommended food, and run continuous-loop DVDs showing hungry birds enjoying your products. Invite bird behavior experts to present bird feeding tips. Feature discounts on higher-margin feeders and multi-feeder packages and offer group discounts to birding clubs. Conduct hourly product giveaways and use entry forms to construct a mailing list. Advertise the event in local newspapers and regional magazines. Place fliers in day care centers, neighborhood restaurants and senior citizen centers.
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