(Or, How Not to Accidentally Ruin Someone’s Day)
The holidays are stressful enough without technology getting in the way. Customers are racing to finish errands, employees are juggling family schedules, and everyone’s patience is about one coffee away from running out.
The last thing you want is to frustrate someone with something that’s completely avoidable.
So, think of this as your Holiday Tech Manners Guide — a few quick reminders that keep your customers happy and your business looking sharp.
1. Update Your Online Hours Before the Angry Phone Calls Start
Picture this. A customer drives across town during their lunch break because Google says you’re open. They pull up to a locked door and dark office. Not great.
Avoid that by double-checking your business listings everywhere customers might look:
- Google Business Profile (this one’s the big one)
- Facebook, Instagram, Yelp — any social platform where your hours show
- Your website banner or homepage
- Apple Maps (yes, people actually use it)
Example update:
“Happy Holidays! We’ll be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 1 to spend time with family. Back to regular hours Monday morning, slightly over-caffeinated and ready to help.”
A five-minute update can save you from frustrated voicemails and one-star reviews.
2. Set an Out-of-Office Reply That Sounds Like a Person, Not a Bot
If you’re stepping away, let people know — but make it friendly.
A good auto-reply doesn’t need to sound stiff or corporate. It should feel like something you’d actually say if you were picking up the phone.
Example:
“Thanks for your message! 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 a great holiday!”
A quick, warm note beats silence every time.
3. Don’t Overshare in Your Out-of-Office Message
Nobody needs to know that you’re spending the week in Denver with Aunt Carol or that your office manager is in Cancún.
Besides being unnecessary, that kind of detail can create security risks. Keep your message simple — dates, response time, and a backup contact if needed. Save the travel stories for social media later.
4. Test Your Phone Systems Before They Test Your Patience
This one’s easy to overlook. Make sure your voicemail greeting actually matches your hours and doesn’t send callers in circles.
Pro tip: Call your own number. Seriously. You’d be amazed how many businesses still have old greetings from 2019.
Example:
“You’ve reached [Business Name]. Our office is closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave a message and we’ll return your call Monday morning. If this is urgent, press 1 to reach our on-call team. Happy Holidays, and thanks for your patience!”
A simple update keeps customers informed and your reputation intact.
5. Communicate Shipping Deadlines Before the Panic Starts
If you sell or ship anything, make your cutoff dates impossible to miss. Post them clearly on your website, share them in an email, and remind customers early.
Missed expectations are what really frustrate people — not delays themselves. Nobody wants to explain why a holiday gift is showing up in January.
The Bottom Line
Good tech etiquette isn’t complicated. It’s about being clear, communicating like a human, and respecting your customers’ time.
A few small updates can make a huge difference in how people feel about your business this season.
Because the goal isn’t just to avoid problems. It’s to make your customers feel taken care of, even when you’re not there.
If you want help making sure your systems and customer experience are ready for the holidays, book a quick discovery call. We’ll walk you through a few simple ways to keep things running smoothly so you can actually enjoy your time off.
