What AJ Madison is and how to shop there
AJ Madison is an online appliance retailer that sells major kitchen and laundry appliances, as well as smaller kitchen gadgets and home goods. You browse their website, add items to a cart, and check out like you would at any online store. They ship to most of the United States and offer both new and scratch-and-dent (discounted) appliances.
The company has been operating since 1988 and handles its own customer service rather than routing you through a third party. If you have a question about an order or need to return something, you contact AJ Madison directly. They do not operate physical showrooms — all shopping happens online.
AJ Madison makes money the same way other appliance retailers do: they buy appliances from manufacturers and mark them up for resale. They also earn commissions when you finance a purchase through their lending partners. Understanding how they operate helps you know what to expect when you buy from them.
Key Takeaways
- AJ Madison is an online-only retailer; you cannot visit a store location or see appliances in person before ordering.
- Delivery and installation costs are separate from the appliance price and vary by your location and the item you are buying.
- Financing options are available through third-party lenders, and the interest rate you receive depends on your credit score and the lender's terms.
- Scratch-and-dent appliances are real discounts but come with cosmetic damage and may have limited or no warranty coverage.
- Return windows and restocking fees vary by product type, so read the return policy before you complete your purchase.
Delivery, installation, and hidden costs
The price you see on AJ Madison's website is the appliance price only. Delivery and installation are charged separately, and the cost depends on where you live and what you are buying. A refrigerator delivered to a rural area costs more to ship than one delivered to a city. Installation of a built-in dishwasher costs more than delivery of a countertop microwave.
AJ Madison uses third-party logistics companies to handle delivery. You will see the total shipping and installation cost before you complete your order, so there are no surprises at checkout. Some items may have access to for free delivery if you spend above a certain amount, but this varies by region and product category.
If you need the appliance removed and hauled away (for example, your old refrigerator), that service is usually available but costs extra. Ask about haul-away fees during checkout or contact customer service before you order if you want to know the cost in advance.
Financing options and how interest rates work
AJ Madison offers financing through third-party lenders, typically with options like 12, 24, or 36 months of payments. The interest rate you are offered depends on your credit score and the lender's current terms — not on AJ Madison itself. A person with excellent credit might receive 0% interest for 24 months, while someone with fair credit might be offered 12% interest.
You will see the financing offers available to you before you complete your purchase. The page will show the monthly payment, total interest, and the full amount you will pay over the loan term. Read this carefully so you understand what you are committing to.
If you are denied financing or the interest rate is too high, you can still pay with a credit card or debit card instead. Financing is optional, not required.
Scratch-and-dent appliances and warranty coverage
AJ Madison sells scratch-and-dent appliances — items with cosmetic damage like dents, scratches, or bent corners — at a discount. The appliance works normally; only the outside is damaged. These are real savings, sometimes 20 to 40 percent off the regular price, but you need to understand the trade-offs.
Scratch-and-dent items often come with limited or no manufacturer warranty. A new refrigerator might have a one-year parts-and-labor warranty; a scratch-and-dent version of the same model might have a 30-day warranty or none at all. Check the warranty details on the product page before you buy. If the appliance breaks after the warranty expires, you pay for repairs yourself.
Scratch-and-dent appliances cannot usually be returned for a refund if you straightforward change your mind. You can return them only if they arrive damaged or do not work. Read the return policy for the specific item you are considering.
Return policies and restocking fees
AJ Madison's return window is typically 30 days from the date you receive the appliance, but this varies by product. Some items have shorter windows; others may have longer ones. The return policy page on their website shows the specific window for each product category.
If you return an appliance within the return window, AJ Madison may charge a restocking fee — usually 15 to 20 percent of the purchase price. This fee covers the cost of inspecting the appliance, repackaging it, and reselling it. So if you buy a $1,000 refrigerator and return it, you might pay $150 to $200 in restocking fees and receive $800 to $850 back.
Some items are exempt from restocking fees, and some categories have different policies. Always check the specific product's return terms before you order. If you are unsure, contact AJ Madison's customer service and ask about the return policy for the exact model you want to buy.
How to compare prices and check for sales
AJ Madison publishes sales and promotions on their website and through email newsletters. If you sign up for their email list, you will receive notifications about discounts on specific brands or product types. These sales are real — the prices do drop — but they are not constant. An appliance on sale this month may not be on sale next month.
To compare AJ Madison's prices to other retailers, use a price comparison tool or visit other appliance retailers' websites directly. Prices vary between retailers, and sometimes a competitor has a better deal on the exact model you want. Shipping costs also vary by retailer, so compare the total cost (appliance plus delivery and installation) rather than the appliance price alone.
If you find a lower price elsewhere, contact AJ Madison's customer service and ask if they will match it. Some retailers have price-match policies; others do not. It never hurts to ask.
Customer service and what to do if something goes wrong
AJ Madison handles its own customer service through phone, email, and online chat. You do not go through a third party or a manufacturer — you contact AJ Madison directly if you have a problem with your order or the appliance arrives damaged.
If an appliance arrives damaged, report it to AJ Madison when ready. Take photos of the damage and keep the packaging. AJ Madison will either send a replacement or issue a refund, depending on the situation and the product. This process usually takes a few days to a few weeks.
If the appliance stops working during the warranty period, contact the manufacturer (not AJ Madison) to file a warranty claim. AJ Madison sold you the appliance, but the manufacturer backs the warranty. The manufacturer will either repair or replace it at no cost to you, as long as the damage is covered by the warranty terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see an appliance in person before I buy it from AJ Madison?
No. AJ Madison is online-only and does not have physical showrooms. If you want to see an appliance before buying, visit a local appliance store or big-box retailer. You can then order from AJ Madison if their price is lower, but you will not be able to inspect the exact unit you receive.
What happens if my appliance arrives damaged?
Contact AJ Madison when ready with photos of the damage. They will arrange a replacement or refund. Keep the packaging and do not discard it until the issue is resolved, because AJ Madison may need to inspect it.
Do I have to pay for installation, or can I install the appliance myself?
Installation is optional. You can pay AJ Madison's installation service, or you can arrange your own installer or install it yourself if you are comfortable doing so. The delivery fee covers getting the appliance to your home; installation is separate.
What is the difference between a scratch-and-dent appliance and a new one?
A scratch-and-dent appliance has cosmetic damage (dents, scratches, bent corners) but works normally. It costs less than a new appliance but usually comes with a shorter or no warranty. If you care about appearance, buy new. If you only care about function, scratch-and-dent saves money.
Can I return an appliance if I change my mind?
Yes, within the return window (usually 30 days), but you will likely pay a restocking fee of 15 to 20 percent of the purchase price. Scratch-and-dent appliances often cannot be returned for refund at all. Check the return policy for your specific product before you order.