3 ms·

This is disappointing, although I'm not surprised. One of the best things about the Microsoft stores is that they provided an obvious way to get individual att

This is disappointing, although I'm not surprised. One of the best things about the Microsoft stores is that they provided an obvious way to get individual attention on software issues. My grandfather was a frequent visitor of the Microsoft stores to resolve his software issues with his SurfaceBook and his generic Dell Laptop. This type of one on one, in person attention was really useful to him and made the Microsoft brand much more approachable. He loved going and he's gotten really great with his computers! Disappointing news for him and for me, although I can understand the business justification.

macspoofing 6y ago
That's a great point and an understated value-add to the Microsoft/Windows ecosystem. There is something to be said for not having to call a tech support line, but going to a physical location (where you may have bought your device) to get help and support. Even if the MS stores were run as a loss, MS should have eaten those costs.
lotsofpulp 6y ago
> Disappointing news for him and for me, although I can understand the business justification. Understanding the business justification is why I don’t understand why people think Apple products are overpriced. Not a single other tech organization wants to provide customer service other than Apple, even one with as much cash as Microsoft. Why should I not reward Apple for putting their money where their mouth is? Obviously, anything less expensive than Apple products makes it unfeasible to offer customer service in person and only merits waiting in a phone queue.
- canada_dry 6y ago
  > Not a single other tech organization wants to provide customer service other than Apple That's a stretch. I'd argue the level of support they're providing is the of the lowest-hanging-fruit level (e.g. how do I transfer my contacts, setup the device). Support forums are full of stories (and from my own experience) where hardware related issues are dismissed and rejected at their stores.
  - lotsofpulp 6y ago
    That lowest hanging level fruit is the most valuable for my parents.

macspoofing 6y ago

That's a great point and an understated value-add to the Microsoft/Windows ecosystem. There is something to be said for not having to call a tech support line, but going to a physical location (where you may have bought your device) to get help and support. Even if the MS stores were run as a loss, MS should have eaten those costs.

lotsofpulp 6y ago

> Disappointing news for him and for me, although I can understand the business justification. Understanding the business justification is why I don’t understand why people think Apple products are overpriced. Not a single other tech organization wants to provide customer service other than Apple, even one with as much cash as Microsoft. Why should I not reward Apple for putting their money where their mouth is? Obviously, anything less expensive than Apple products makes it unfeasible to offer customer service in person and only merits waiting in a phone queue.

canada_dry 6y ago
> Not a single other tech organization wants to provide customer service other than Apple That's a stretch. I'd argue the level of support they're providing is the of the lowest-hanging-fruit level (e.g. how do I transfer my contacts, setup the device). Support forums are full of stories (and from my own experience) where hardware related issues are dismissed and rejected at their stores.
- lotsofpulp 6y ago
  That lowest hanging level fruit is the most valuable for my parents.