What is the AJC Battery Story?

The Problem: The High Cost of Replacement Batteries

In 2010, AJC founder Aric Shelko noticed a frustrating trend: the replacement batteries he needed for his home and business were often nearly as expensive as the devices they powered. This didn't make sense. Driven by this observation, he began to dig deeper into the world of batteries, exploring different types and experimenting with their quality and performance.

His initial discovery was clear: brand-name replacement batteries carried an exorbitant price tag. When he tested cheaper alternatives, he found little difference in performance. The main issue with the less expensive options was inconsistent quality, but the potential to save money without a major drop in performance was obvious. This insight made finding a balance between cost and quality a top priority.

The Challenge: Quality Control and Long Waits

As Aric continued his research, two major problems with lower-cost batteries emerged.

First was quality control. While most of the cheaper batteries performed well, a few would fail, suggesting a weak or non-existent quality assurance (QA) process. Second was delivery time. Saving money was great, but waiting three to four weeks for a replacement battery was simply too long for most customers.

The Opportunity: A Better Way Forward

Aric decided to look closer at the manufacturing process itself. He found it fascinating that most batteries—regardless of brand—were made in the same few factories. It seemed that the brand label and the thoroughness of the QA process were the largest factors dictating the final price. While a robust testing process adds cost, he realized it was a crucial, non-negotiable step to ensure a reliable product.

Armed with this data, Aric saw a clear opportunity. He decided to create his own replacement battery brand that would solve the problems he'd uncovered—a brand that combined affordability, quality, performance, and an excellent customer experience.

The Solution: The Birth of AJC Battery

In 2012, Aric launched the AJC Battery brand with a simple mission: “to offer quality batteries at affordable prices.”

He established a manufacturing process that delivered the quality he demanded at a fair price, ensuring that no corners were ever cut during quality assurance. He built efficient systems to offer same-day shipping, support customer service, and sell directly to consumers through a user-friendly website.

By being smart with partnerships and focusing on the core product, AJC Battery was able to keep prices low. The key, however, has always been the quality of the product. Satisfied customers lead to repeat business and strong word-of-mouth recommendations, allowing the company to thrive without passing on heavy marketing costs to its buyers.

Continued Growth

AJC Battery has grown every year since those early days and has increased their range of batteries to include Powersports and Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter batteries and can now accommodate more than tens of thousands of products for all of the leading brands. While there have been plenty of challenges along the way, the ultimate goal continues to provide quality batteries at affordable prices. Visit www.ajcbattery.com and batteryclerk.ca