The holidays are stressful enough without technology making things worse. Customers are rushing to finish errands, employees are juggling family schedules, and everyone’s expectations are high.
The last thing you want is to frustrate loyal customers or lose potential ones over a preventable tech oversight.
Think of this as your Holiday Tech Manners Guide a quick checklist to keep your business polished, professional, and customer-friendly through the holiday rush.
- Update Your Online Hours Before the First Angry Call
Scenario: A customer drives across town because Google says you’re open only to find your door locked and lights off. Congratulations, you’ve just created someone’s villain origin story.
Before that happens, double-check all your listings:
- Google Business Profile (the big one!)
- Facebook, Instagram, Yelp anywhere customers might find you
- Apple Maps and your website banner
Example update:
“Happy Holidays! We’ll be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Dec. 1 to spend time with family. We’ll reopen Monday morning slightly caffeinated, but ready to help!”
Keeping your hours accurate across every platform avoids confusion and builds trust especially for Dallas-Fort Worth customers relying on mobile searches.
- Set Friendly, Human Out-of-Office Replies
Your auto-reply shouldn’t sound robotic or cold. A little personality goes a long way.
Example:
“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 a wonderful holiday!”
Customers don’t expect instant responses they just want reassurance that they’ve reached the right place.
- Don’t Overshare in Your Out-of-Office Message
Resist the temptation to overshare. No one needs to know you’re visiting Aunt Carol in Denver or flying to Cancún.
Beyond being unnecessary, personal details can pose security risks especially if scammers see that your office is unattended.
Stick to dates, response times, and alternate contact info. Save the stories for social media.
- Test Your Phone Systems Before They Test Your Patience
Holiday callers are often in a rush, and the last thing they need is an outdated voicemail.
Call your own number seriously and make sure:
- The voicemail greeting matches your holiday hours
- The call tree still routes to the correct departments
- There’s a clear option for urgent issues
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 Monday morning. If this is urgent, press 1 to reach our on-call team. Happy Holidays!”
A 30-second test can prevent major frustration.
- Communicate Shipping and Order Deadlines Clearly
If your business handles orders, deliveries, or shipping, post your holiday cut-off dates early and repeat them often.
Use:
- Website banners
- Email reminders
- Social media posts
Late deliveries are annoying; unmet expectations destroy relationships. Let customers know deadlines well before the panic sets in.
The Bottom Line: Good Tech Etiquette = Happy Customers
Holiday tech etiquette isn’t complicated. It’s about:
Clear communication
Professional presentation
Respecting your customers’ time
These small steps prevent headaches and keep your reputation and customer relationships merry and bright.
Remember, good service doesn’t just happen when you’re open it’s reflected in how your business communicates when you’re away.
Want help making sure your systems and customer experience stay smooth through the holidays?
Schedule your free discovery call with our Dallas-Fort Worth IT experts today.
Because the best gift you can give your customers this season is a stress-free experience.
