November 24, 2025
Holidays are busy enough without technology adding to the chaos. Your customers are scrambling to complete last-minute tasks, your team balances family commitments, and everyone's expectations are sky-high. The last thing you want is to create unnecessary frustrations with tech errors that could have been avoided.
Consider this your essential Holiday Technology Etiquette Guide — because no one wants to be the business that spoils someone's day.
1. Update Your Online Hours Before the First Frustrated Call
Imagine a customer rushing across town during lunch because your Google listing says you're open — only to find your store closed and dark. That's how you become the villain of their story.
Make sure to update:
- Your Google Business Profile — the most visited source!
- Social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, Yelp — wherever customers check your info
- Your website banner displaying a warm and clear holiday schedule
- Apple Maps — yes, it's still widely used
Try this message: "Happy Holidays! We'll be closed from Thursday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Dec. 1 to enjoy time with family. Expect regular hours starting Monday morning — possibly with a turkey hangover, but ready to serve you!"
2. Craft Warm, Human Out-Of-Office Replies
When stepping away, avoid cold, robotic auto-responses that leave customers guessing if you've vanished. A thoughtful auto-reply is like a friendly greeting that reassures customers they're valued.
Sample out-of-office message: "Thank you for your message! We're taking a break for Thanksgiving from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 and will get back to you as soon as we're back (and well-caffeinated). For urgent matters, please call our support line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!"
3. Keep Out-Of-Office Messages Brief — No Need for Detailed Itineraries
Stick to essentials. Your clients don't need to know who's traveling where or the specifics of your team's holiday plans. Oversharing can feel intrusive and even create security concerns.
Focus on closure dates, expected response times, and alternative contacts. Save the fun holiday stories for your social channels.
4. Verify Your Phone Systems Before Caller Frustrations Escalate
Holiday callers are often hurried and stressed. Ensure your voicemail greeting correctly reflects your current hours and provides clear guidance instead of causing confusion.
Pro tip: Call your business number yourself. You might be surprised to find an outdated message lingering since 2019.
Example voicemail: "Thanks for calling [Business Name]. We're currently closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave a message and we'll return your call Monday morning. For urgent assistance, press 1 to connect with our on-call team. Happy Holidays and thank you for your patience!"
5. Announce Shipping Deadlines Early to Avoid Last-Minute Panic
If your business ships products, be proactive by posting your final order dates prominently on your website and sending reminders via email. Clear communication prevents disappointment from late deliveries.
Missed deadlines can strain customer relationships — no one wants to explain why an anniversary gift is arriving after the celebration.
The Takeaway: Thoughtful Tech Etiquette = Happy Customers = Thriving Business
Holiday tech etiquette isn't complicated. It's about setting clear expectations, communicating genuinely, and respecting your customers' valuable time. A few simple updates can smooth out holiday operations and preserve your company's goodwill.
Remember, the aim isn't just to dodge issues — it's to show your customers they're looked after, even when you're offline.
Need expert help to keep your systems and customer experience seamless this holiday season? Call us at 888-638-3621 or click here to book your free 15-Minute Discovery Call. Let's explore easy ways to maintain smooth operations while you enjoy well-earned time off.
