Recommended Free Tools
In December 2014, GeekWire reported that an unidentified former Microsoft employee had listed a 10-year service award for $150 on LiztEZ, a Seattle-area classifieds site. The award was described as a 9-inch crystal trophy. The report does not establish whether it sold, and it offers no evidence that this or an equivalent award is available today.
What was in the listing?
GeekWire’s December 5, 2014 report said the 10-year award was listed in the Microsoft section of LiztEZ for $150. The seller’s listing, as quoted by GeekWire, described the crystal as chipped and said: “Got a chipped crystal but don’t want to pay over $250 to get it replaced? Lucky for you I’m selling one for $150 bucks. Perfect condition.” The wording appears contradictory about the crystal’s condition; the report does not clarify it.
The listing also said the seller was no longer a Microsoft employee and wanted to clear items from their house, adding that selling the award seemed preferable to throwing it away. GeekWire did not identify or independently interview the seller, so these are statements attributed to the listing, not verified biographical details.
Was there a separate five-year award?
GeekWire reported that the same person appeared to be selling a five-year service award as well. That separate listing reportedly required a buyer to show a Microsoft blue badge to be eligible to purchase. The report does not attach that condition to the 10-year award.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Award Plaques Customizable: These award plaques are fully customizable. You can personalize them with the title of your award, custom engraving, the date, and the name of the recipient. Works great for Employee of the Month, Retirement and more.
- Choose Your Size and Color: Choose from 6x8, 7x9, 8x10, 9x12, 10.5x13 and 12x15 size as well as color combinations of gold, silver and black.
- Enter Your Title at the Top: The wreath area at the top is designed for your custom plaque to have it’s own title. Enter your text and make your award personalized for your needs. Create a custom plaque that says exactly what you want you want to say.
- Each Award Plaque is Personalized to order - Easy to enter and clear to see text on the “Customize Now” page. Submit your title, recipient’s name, business name and years of service dates.
- Recognize Your Co-workers, Teachers, Boss and Leaders with Appreciation Gifts made just for them - Acknowledge their hard work with this custom award plaques. Give it as a present to make them feel appreciated and valued!
Why did the listing attract attention?
The sale appeared amid a difficult period for Microsoft employees. GeekWire reported that Microsoft had gone through multiple rounds of layoffs in 2014, describing the total as 18,000 layoffs worldwide. That is the figure reported in the 2014 article. The report also said LiztEZ’s Microsoft classifieds portal had about 5,000 users “so far” at the time; that is a contemporaneous figure, not a current count.
The story recalled GeekWire reporter Todd Bishop’s observation during a 2009 visit to a Goodwill near Microsoft’s Redmond campus: he saw many second-hand Microsoft shirts after a major round of layoffs. That was an anecdotal observation, not a measured count of items or former employees.
Rank #2
- FULLY CUSTOMIZED PLAQUE - Customize ALL contents for your personalized plaque with ease. Simply upload your logo, photo, and a heartfelt personal message or quote. Choose from 2 frame types (walnut/black), 2 top colors (gold/black, silver/black), to tailor these custom plaques to any event and make it truly unique.
- PREMIUM FINISH AND FRAME TYPES - Our frames are carefully chosen by our skilled artisans, ensuring a smooth and refined finish. Whichever color you choose - Walnut, Matte Black - they both feel luxurious, making them suitable for awards, gifts, and professional recognition.
- SOLID WOOD PLAQUE - Not just made as a personalized award plaque but also a keepsake, this custom plaque is crafted from solid wood that's naturally strong and long-lasting. It resists wear and tear, doesn't warp or swell over time. OPTIONAL ADD-ON: Easel Stand (Click the easel option upon customization)
- CRISP VIBRANT PRINT - With high-quality full-color UV printing, the graphics and texts appear vibrant, sharp and clean, and don't peel or crack over time. For better results, make sure to upload photos with at least 300 dpi.
- VERSATILE USE - This suits a wide range of use: retirement plaque, employee of the month plaque, memorial plaque, appreciation plaque, teacher of the year plaque, business anniversary gifts, or pastor appreciation plaque. Whether for formal events or you simply want to express your gratitude to anyone for their service and dedication, this custom plaque got you!
Did the award sell, and can you buy one now?
The GeekWire report does not say whether the $150 award sold. It said the publication had contacted the seller through LiztEZ and would update the story if it heard back, but the article as reported provides no sale outcome. It also does not establish that LiztEZ still has the listing or that a comparable award is currently for sale. Treat the $150 price as the asking price in a historical 2014 listing, not a current market value or replacement cost.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- STANDOUT DESIGN – Celebrate achievements with our exquisite genuine walnut finish perpetual plaque award multiple name plates board.
- TIMELESS WALNUT FINISH – The genuine walnut finish exudes sophistication, making this perpetual plaque board a standout piece.
- ELEGANT HEADER PLATE – The black and gold header plate adds a touch of prestige and sophistication to this wall name plate holder.
- REMOVABLE, MULTIPLE NAME PLATES – Comes with multiple, removable black and gold name plates, allowing for easy engraving and personalization (personalization not included).
- PREMIUM QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP – Meticulously crafted with attention to detail, this blank perpetual plaque exudes timeless elegance.
Rank #4
- [Easy Custom Design] Personalize your custom trophy with text, logos, photos, and award titles. Whether it’s for employee recognition, retirement gifts for men and women, team memberswork, anniversaries, corporate award trophies, or sales achievement trophies, this customizable trophy will make each moment special
- [Meaningful Appreciation Gifts] Show your respect and admiration with a personalized award. Ideal for employee of the month award, retirement gifts, farewell gifts for coworkers, or business appreciation gifts, this acrylic trophy will be a lasting token of gratitude. Whether you're honoring a team member, boss, or employee, this trophy will reflect their achievements and inspire future success
- [Elegant and Stylish Design] Choose from a range of beautiful designs, including marble, abstract, or textured backgrounds, to match the occasion. Their modern and sleek look will add a touch of sophistication to any office, home, or event space
- [Durable Quality] Crafted from premium acrylic and UV printed, this acrylic awards personalized trophy ensures vibrant colors and clear engraving that last for years. Whether you're purchasing mini trophies in bulk or a single custom company logo plaque, this trophy is made to withstand time while maintaining its elegant and polished finish
- [Perfect for Any Occasion] Celebrate achievements, milestones, and special moments with a trophy that fits any setting. Ideal for corporate events, sports competitions, school awards, or personal celebrations, this customizable acrylic trophy adds a meaningful and stylish touch to every recognition
Rank #3
- Custom Logo Plaque: Create a personalized award plaque by uploading your company logo or photo, and custom message for a customized recognition piece made just for your recipient.
- Personalized for Any Occasion: Add names, dates, titles, quotes, award details, or organization text to create a meaningful employee appreciation award, retirement plaque, service award, or thank you gift.
- Full Color Printed Design: Your artwork, logo, photo, and text are printed in crisp full color for a sharp, professional look that stands out in offices, ceremonies, and recognition displays.
- Professional Wood Award Style: Designed with a classic wood plaque look that feels appropriate for business awards, staff recognition, teacher gifts, volunteer appreciation, memorials, and milestone celebrations.
- Easy Customization: Use the customization options to enter your wording and upload your image before checkout, making it simple to create a one-of-a-kind personalized plaque.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
