The holidays are stressful enough without technology tripping you up. Customers are trying to squeeze in last-minute errands, employees are juggling family schedules, and expectations are cranked up to 11. The last thing you want is to frustrate people with tech missteps that could’ve been easily avoided.
Think of this as your “Holiday Tech Manners Guide” – because nobody wants to be that business that ruins someone’s Tuesday.
- Update Your Online Hours (Before Your First Angry Phone Call)
Picture this: A customer rushes across town because Google says you’re open only to find the door locked and lights off. Congratulations, you’ve just created someone’s villain origin story.
What to update:
- Your Google Business Profile (the big one!)
- Facebook, Instagram, Yelp – anywhere customers might find you
- Your website banner with your holiday hours
- Apple Maps (yes, people still use it)
Sample message: “Happy Holidays! We’ll be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Dec. 1 to spend time with family. We’ll be back Monday morning, slightly over-caffeinated but ready to help!”
- Set Friendly Out-Of-Office Replies (That Don’t Sound Like Robots)
If you’re taking time off, don’t leave customers in e-mail limbo. A good autoreply is like a friendly doorman, professional but human.
Sample out-of-office message: “Thanks for reaching out! Our office is closed for Thanksgiving from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1. We’ll respond as soon as we’re back and caffeinated. If it’s urgent, call our support line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!”
- Don’t Overshare In Your “Out Of Office” (Nobody Needs Your Itinerary)
Keep it simple. Customers don’t need to know you’re visiting Aunt Carol in Denver or that your office manager is jetting to Cancún. Oversharing can create security risks, especially if bad actors learn your office will be empty.
Stick to dates, response times, and backup contacts. Save the travel stories for your personal feed.
- Test Your Phone Systems (Before They Test Your Patience)
Holiday callers are often stressed and short on time. Make sure your voicemail greeting actually matches your hours and doesn’t send them on a wild goose chase.
Pro tip: Call your own number. You’d be surprised how many businesses still have outdated greetings from years ago.
Sample voicemail: “You’ve reached [Business Name]. We’re currently closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave a message, and we’ll return your call Monday morning. If it’s urgent, press 1 to reach our on-call team. Happy Holidays!”
- Communicate Shipping Deadlines (Before The Panic Sets In)
If your business involves shipping or deliveries, communicate deadlines early and clearly. Post “order by” dates online and send reminder e-mails before it’s too late.
Late packages are frustrating. Missed expectations? Relationship killers. Nobody wants to explain to their spouse why the anniversary gift is arriving in January.
The Bottom Line: Good Etiquette = Happy Customers = Good Business
Holiday tech etiquette isn’t rocket science. It’s about setting clear expectations, communicating like a human being, and respecting your customers’ time. A few quick updates can prevent a lot of frustration and keep your business reputation merry and bright.
Remember: The goal isn’t just to avoid problems, it’s to make your customers feel cared for, even when you’re not there.
Want to make sure your systems and customer experience stay polished this season? Let’s talk about simple ways to keep everything running while you enjoy a well-deserved break.
