November 23, 2025
Managing holiday stress is tough enough—don't let tech mishaps add to it. With customers squeezing in last-minute errands and employees balancing family plans, holiday pressure is sky-high. The last thing you want is to frustrate anyone with easily preventable tech glitches.
Consider this your essential Holiday Tech Etiquette Guide—making sure your business stays helpful, not a source of holiday headaches.
1. Update Your Operating Hours Online Before Complaints Roll In
Imagine a customer rushing to your location during lunch because your Google hours say you're open—only to find the place closed and dark. Congratulations, you've unintentionally become the villain of their holiday story.
Make sure to update:
- Your Google Business Profile (top priority!)
- Facebook, Instagram, Yelp—everywhere your customers might check
- Your website banner with clear holiday hours
- Apple Maps (yes, it's still widely used)
Example update: "Happy Holidays! We'll be closed from Thursday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 1 to celebrate with family. Regular hours resume Monday, likely with some leftover turkey fog—but we'll be ready to assist you!"
2. Craft Warm, Human Out-of-Office Replies
If you're offline during holidays, avoid leaving customers lost in an automated void. A well-written auto-reply acts like a courteous, approachable greeter—professional yet personable.
Sample message: "Thank you for your message! Our office is closed for Thanksgiving between Nov. 28-Dec. 1. We'll respond promptly when we return, fueled by caffeine and holiday cheer. For urgent help, call (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!"
3. Keep "Out Of Office" Details Clear and Concise
Stick to the essentials—dates, expected response times, and contact alternatives. Customers don't need to know your Aunt Carol's location or the full itinerary of your team's holiday adventures.
Oversharing can lead to privacy concerns and confusion. Leave personal stories for your social media channels.
4. Verify Your Phone Systems Work Perfectly Before the Rush
Holiday callers are often rushed and stressed. Ensure your voicemail greeting reflects your current holiday hours and offers helpful options—not an outdated message sending callers in circles.
Pro tip: Call your business number yourself to confirm everything sounds right. You'd be amazed how many greetings are still stuck in 2019.
Sample voicemail: "Hello, you've reached [Business Name]. We are currently closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave a message and we will return your call Monday morning. For urgent assistance, press 1 to connect with our on-call team. Happy Holidays and thanks for your patience!"
5. Clearly Communicate Shipping Deadlines Early
If you ship products, be proactive in sharing final order dates online and via reminder emails. This transparency prevents last-minute panic and disappointment.
Delayed gifts are frustrating—but missed expectations can damage trust. Avoid holiday letdowns by setting clear timelines.
In Summary: Thoughtful Tech Etiquette Builds Loyal Customers
Holiday tech etiquette is straightforward: communicate openly, act with empathy, and honor your customers' time. Implementing these updates now will minimize frustration and keep your reputation shining bright this season.
Remember, the goal goes beyond avoiding pitfalls. It's about making customers feel valued—even when you're offline.
Need help ensuring your systems and customer experience are flawless this holiday? Call us at 1300 136 410 or click here to book your free 15-Minute Discovery Call. Let's explore simple strategies to keep your business running smoothly while you enjoy a well-earned break.
