Whenever I replaced batteries - I had them supplied dry to me, I make my own electrolyte mixture with lab grade H2SO4 and medical grade distilled water - add to battery and charge at 10% AH rating at 14.0 volts for about 2 hours - voila - always performed better than any shop batteries and many times longer too.
If the battery is dry charged it will work with just electrolyte, if they are not dry charged you need to give them a boost charge to work.
e.g. If you buy a wet Yuasa DIN rated battery - it will be dry and empty, you should use the above kind of electrolyte at 1.275 SG - just add and let it stand for 15 minutes and put it in service - no charge required.
If you went to buy a local AGS or Exide battery it will also be dry and empty - you need to fill it up with the same 1.275 SG electrolyte and give it a booster charge for 2 hours to get it working - hence charge required.