800-570-3355 Availability and delivery delays can be frustrating when waiting for new appliances. Unprecedented demand, coupled with COVID-19 factory closings over the past few months have created short term product shortages for some brands. We currently offer appliances from more than 150 brands, making it easy to update your order with many comparable in stock choices. Here are our best tips:
1. Order Early & Look for Quick Ship
It’s 2020, expect COVID delays. If you’re in the middle of a kitchen renovation, order your appliances at the same time as your cabinets. Most cabinets take six weeks to arrive (as an industry average). Ordering proactively will afford you a little more flexibility in case products are delayed.
PRO TIP: QuickShip items are in stock and available for immediate shipment. You can filter for QuickShip items on every list page on the AJ Madison site.
2. Be Flexible
There are thousands of appliances to choose from. AJ Madison offers an enormous selection of brands with thousands of in stock products ready to ship. It’s important that you select anappliance that will meet your needs. If you’re looking to get your new appliance right away, you’re better off having a little flexibility.
PRO TIP: Select a back-up model or two just in case your desired product is out of stock. Use our site filters to find the products that best fit your needs. If getting your appliances right away is a top priority, then filter for QuickShip items. From there you can search for products by size, brand, color, and features.
Size
Appliances come in many shapes and sizes. It’s important to measure before you buy a new appliance. Most shoppers must filter based on size constraints. If you have plenty of space to work with, then you have more options.BrandWhether you’re searching for a new stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher, there are many brands that offer a wide array of features. Most products will cover the basics. If you need a specific feature (such as Star K Certification) then you should filter for it. Take note of your deal breakers, and then shop for products that have the features you’re looking for. You’ll probably find many appliances that meet your needs.
Color
Appliances come in a wide array of colors and finishes. This season smudge resistant stainless steel, black stainless steel, sunset bronze, matte white, matte black, and Tuscan brass are trending (to name a few). You can also find white, black, and the occasional bisquefinishes to match existing kitchens. If you need your appliances right away, you might want to explore a new color.
PRO TIP:There is a benefit to being flexible. If you shop with an open mind you might even discover a new brand, color, or feature that you love.
Flexible Delivery
Take delivery of your appliances as soon as they can be delivered. If you need your new appliances ASAP, make sure your schedule is flexible to accept the first available delivery date.Take delivery as soon as the product becomes available. The more open you are to different delivery dates, the faster you will receive your products.
3. Tips for Faster Order Processing
Proofread Your Info
Make sure to proofread your information before you place your order. Providing a cell phone number for delivery is recommended since you will receive delivery scheduling info the day before with your delivery timeframe. Make sure the phone number provided is the best contact number for the person who will be on-site accepting the delivery. The best tip for getting your appliance order quickly is to provide consistent customer information. Your name, email address, primary phone number, and address should be consistent between your credit card company, bank, and information provided on your appliance order. Now we recognize that isn’t always possible. Sometimes you want to provide alternative information like your partner’s cell phone, your work email address, your contractor’s credit card...the list goes on. Providing this information is not bad per-se but could mean that your order takes more time to process.
PRO TIP: Enter the correct contact name, phone number, and email address. Provide consistent information for faster processing.
4. Avoid Common Mistakes
Measure First!
Measure before you shop. Measuring is important, especially if you’re keeping your existing cabinets. Not only should you measure your old appliance but make sure to also measure the space it’s going into to make sure the new product will fit. You also need to measure any obstacles along the way, like doorways, hallways, corners, stairwells, elevators, or even railings.
Plugs and Connections
Once you have measurements, you need to make sure you identify the connections behind your appliance. For example, clothes dryers could be powered by electricity or gas. If you’re unsure what you have, take a picture, and we can help you confirm. Which way will it open? Make sure to identify which way you want your new appliance to open. Many dryers and top freezer fridges are hinge-reversible meaning the door can be adjusted to open either way. Select products need to be ordered hinge right or left, so it’s important to know which orientation you want before you start shopping.Order the right accessories. When you place an appliance order, make sure to add on the right accessories. Almost every appliance requires at least an electrical cord. Dishwashers need anti-tip brackets. Washer dryer sets need water hoses, cords, and dryer vent pipes. Microwaves might need trim kits. There are a plethora of accessories needed depending on your product selection and desired installation.
PRO TIP: When placing your appliance order don’t skip the recommended accessories. Having all the necessary parts delivered with your appliances will save you time. Hire the right installers. Hiring a high-quality installer will save you time, money, and peace of mind. The leading cause of first-year appliance service calls is related to incorrect product installation.
Bad appliance installs can be dangerous and lead to poor product performance. Make sure your installer gets the job done right. In many states, it’s required by law to have a certified installer or licensed plumber connect and disconnect gas appliances. Built-in refrigerators should be handled by an experienced professional as they are top-heavy and must be secured to a wall in a dedicated cabinet opening. For more information, or if you are unsure about your product installation, contact us for extra help.
5. Add an Extended Warranty
Appliance service can be expensive. There have been lots of advances in appliances including the integration of electronic parts and technology of the past few years. Most appliances come with at least one year of manufacturer’s coverage. Once that coverage period is over, in-home service calls can cost between $80 to $150 just for the technician to come to your home before performing any repairs. Homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover home appliance repairs. Our favorite benefit is the no claim reward reimbursement. If your appliances never need service, and you don’t use your extended warranty plan, you will get 50% of the plan price back if no service claim was made during the extended coverage period.
PRO TIP: Consider extending service coverage for peace of mind and protection from potentially expensive repairs.