November 24, 2025
Holidays are already hectic—don9t let tech hiccups add to the chaos. Customers are fitting in last-minute tasks, employees balance family demands, and stress levels soar. Avoid frustrating your audience with preventable technology mishaps during the busiest season.
Consider this your essential Holiday Tech Etiquette Guide to ensure your business doesn9t become the dreaded story someone tells about their frustrating day.
1. Promptly Refresh Your Online Business Hours (Beat Those Annoyed Calls)
Imagine a customer rushing over at lunchtime because your Google listing says you9re open, only to find the doors locked. Oops2e You9ve unintentionally become the villain in their holiday story.
Where to update immediately:
- Your crucial Google Business Profile
- Facebook, Instagram, Yelp 96 all the platforms customers use to check your hours
- Your website27s banner with clear holiday hours
- Apple Maps because yes, people still use it
Try this friendly update: "Happy Holidays! We27ll be closed from Thursday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 1 to enjoy time with loved ones. Back to regular hours Monday, a little turkey-tired but ready to serve you!"
2. Create Warm, Humanized Out-Of-Office Replies
Taking a break? Don9t leave customers wondering if you9ve vanished into the holiday abyss. A personalized auto-response acts like a courteous host—professional and approachable.
Example message: "Thanks for your message! We27re closed for Thanksgiving from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 but will get back to you once we27re refreshed (and caffeinated). Urgent? Call our support line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you a wonderful holiday!"
3. Keep "Out of Office" Messages Professional and Concise
Avoid giving too much personal info like who27s visiting where or what potluck Bob is attending. Besides oversharing, this creates security risks.
Stick to essential details: closure dates, response timelines, and alternative contacts. Save your holiday anecdotes for social media posts.
4. Test Your Phone System to Prevent Customer Frustration
Holiday calls come with high stress and tight schedules. Ensure your voicemail greeting matches your actual hours to avoid sending callers on a wild goose chase.
Pro tip: Call your business line yourself to hear the greeting firsthand. You27d be surprised how often these are stuck in 2019.
Great voicemail script: "Hi, you27ve reached [Business Name]. We27re closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave your message, and we27ll return your call Monday morning. For urgent needs, press 1 to contact our on-call team. Happy Holidays and thank you for your patience!"
5. Clearly Communicate Shipping Deadlines Early
If you ship products, make sure customers know order deadlines well in advance. Display cutoff dates prominently online and send reminder emails.
Missed deliveries frustrate everyone, but unmet expectations can damage customer relationships. Don9t be "that" business delaying anniversary gifts until January.
In Summary: Thoughtful Tech Etiquette Creates Happy Customers and Thriving Business
Holiday tech etiquette is straightforward: set clear expectations, communicate warmly, and honor your customers27 time. These easy adjustments prevent headaches and keep your reputation bright.
Above all, aim not just to avoid issues but to make your customers feel truly cared for, even when your team is away.
Need help ensuring your systems and customer experience stay flawless this holiday season? Call us at 503-210-5203 or click here to book your free Systems Assessment. Let's explore simple ways to keep everything running smoothly while you enjoy a well-earned break.
