In 2016, my 8 year old iMac computer appeared to be ready to say goodbye. (Side note: It’s still working!) I started perusing the Apple Store online for a replacement when Greg mentioned a new device coming from Microsoft called the Surface Studio so on a Friday night, we headed to the mall just before closing time and went back and forth between the Apple Store and the Microsoft Store kiosk.
This was a huge purchase and on one hand, there was a Mac, which I already knew. On the other hand, I had a Surface Pro for work and enjoyed the touchscreen.
Saturday morning, we returned and Justin, the Microsoft Store assistant manager, asked me what was it I wanted on the Mac that wasn’t on the Surface Studio.
It may sound ridiculous, but I ❤️ the mapping feature in Photos on my Mac. For our whole dating life and first 6 months of our marriage, Greg and I lived in separate states which meant a lot of road trips to see each other and driving vacations. We would come home with pictures of beautiful scenery and weren’t sure which state they were from. The Photos app grouped our images by the GPS tags whether from our phones or cameras.
Literally, within a minute, Justin found an app in the Microsoft App store that did exactly that: GeoPhoto by T. Partl. There was a free version, though I later used my Microsoft rewards points from Bing searches (yes, you basically get paid to use Bing!❤️💲) to get ad-free version.($2.99) Sold. I became the first to pick up my Studio when it arrived that December. We even delayed leaving for an anniversary trip because it arrived earlier than expected.
The customer service provided by that kiosk was stellar. Off the top of my head, I can name at least 7 employees from that location. How many stores can you say that about? They were all approachable. While we normally avoid mall kiosks, this one felt welcoming with the demo units within easy reach. No need to wander through a store trying to find what we were interested in trying.
When I think of the physical Microsoft Stores, I remember an older couple with his and hers Surfaces being trained on how to use them. Greg bought a Windows Phone that was his favorite. Several staff helped me apply for the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert program and cheered when I also received recognition as a Surface Master Trainer.
So while this blog post originally was intended as a recommended equipment post, it has become a love letter to that Microsoft Store kiosk and to the phenomenal service from Justin, Sareena, Austin, Jasmine, Meghan, Newsha, Chad, Andy, and others who answered our many questions, did presentations and participated in events in my school district, and even assisted as I updated my résumé.
To all the Microsoft Store employees around the globe, thank you for all you do, from in person service to now virtual trainings and support.
Feel free to comment below if you have experienced similar stellar customer service.
(Recommended devices will come in a future post. 😁)
GK Techies 