November 24, 2025
The holiday season is hectic enough without technology hiccups adding to the chaos. With customers rushing for last-minute tasks, employees balancing family commitments, and expectations running high, the last thing your business needs is technical issues causing frustration.
Consider this your essential Holiday Tech Etiquette Guide—because nobody wants to be remembered as that business that spoiled someone's day.
1. Update Your Online Business Hours Before the First Confused Customer Calls
Imagine a customer racing across town on their lunch break, trusting Google says you're open, only to find the doors locked and the lights off. Congratulations, you've unintentionally created a negative customer experience.
Where to update your hours:
- Your Google Business Profile—the primary source customers trust
- Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp
- Your website banner featuring your holiday schedule clearly
- Apple Maps—yes, many customers still rely on it
Example message: "Happy Holidays! We'll be closed from Thursday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 1 to celebrate with family, reopening Monday morning refreshed and ready to assist (turkey hangover and all!)."
2. Craft Warm, Human Out-Of-Office Replies
If you plan to take time off, don't leave customers guessing. Your auto-reply should be welcoming and professional—not robotic—letting people know you value their communication.
Sample auto-response: "Thanks for reaching out! Our office is closed for Thanksgiving from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1. We'll get back to you promptly once we return and have recharged. For urgent matters, call our support line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!"
3. Keep Your "Out of Office" Messages Brief and Professional
Stick to essential details. Customers don't need your vacation itinerary or the full family reunion story. Oversharing not only clutters communication but could also pose privacy concerns.
Provide key dates, expected response times, and alternate contacts. Save your travel anecdotes for social media posts.
4. Test Your Phone System Ahead of the Holiday Rush
Callers during the holidays are often rushed and stressed. Ensure your voicemail greeting accurately reflects your current hours and doesn't lead callers on a wild goose chase.
Pro tip: Call your number yourself to verify the message. You might be surprised how many businesses still use outdated greetings from years past.
Example voicemail: "You've reached [Business Name]. Our office is currently closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave a message, and we'll return your call on Monday morning. For urgent needs, press 1 to connect with our on-call team. Happy Holidays and thank you for your patience!"
5. Clearly Communicate Shipping Deadlines Early to Avoid Last-Minute Stress
If your business handles shipping or delivery, make your cut-off dates highly visible online and send reminder emails so customers can plan accordingly.
Delayed packages create frustration, but unclear expectations can damage your customer relationships. No one wants to explain why a special gift arrives late.
The Takeaway: Polished Tech Etiquette Leads to Happier Customers and Stronger Business
Holiday technology courtesy is straightforward: set clear expectations, communicate warmly, and respect your customers' time. These simple steps can reduce frustrations and keep your business reputation shining bright.
Remember, it's not just about avoiding issues—it's about making your customers feel valued even when you're offline.
Need assistance ensuring your systems and customer experience are seamless this holiday season? Call us at 888-624-7383 or click here to schedule your free 15-Minute Discovery Call. Let's explore easy ways to keep your operations running smoothly while you enjoy some well-earned time off.
