The holidays bring enough challenges—technology shouldn’t be one of them. When customers are double-checking hours and squeezing in last-minute errands, and your team is juggling family plans alongside work, the pressure is high for everyone. In moments like these, even small tech hiccups can quickly escalate, leaving frustration on both sides of the counter.
That’s why it pays to be proactive. A little attention to your digital touchpoints and communications now can prevent avoidable stress later. This is your “Holiday Tech Manners Guide”—a quick resource to help you deliver a smooth, frustration-free experience for customers and staff alike. Because nobody wants to be the business that gets remembered for dropping the ball right before the holiday break.
Imagine this scenario: A customer checks your hours online, plans a quick detour during their lunch break, and arrives at your business only to find the doors locked. Now you’ve got a frustrated customer, and that’s not the memory you want to leave before the holidays. Prevent this by updating all your online listings—don’t give anyone a reason to wonder if you’re open.
Here’s what to update:
Keeping your hours up-to-date across all these platforms not only prevents customer confusion but also saves your staff from fielding extra calls and complaints.
Sample message you can use:
“Happy Holidays! We’ll be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Dec. 1 to spend time with family. We’ll be back to regular hours Monday morning, probably with a slight turkey hangover but ready to help!”
When you or your team are stepping away, don’t leave your customers guessing or feeling ignored. A well-crafted out-of-office message is more than an auto-reply—it’s a sign that you care, even when you’re off the clock. These responses should sound personal, clear, and reassuring, offering your customers a seamless experience no matter the season.
Here’s what a strong auto-reply covers:
Sample out-of-office message:
“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 and yours a wonderful holiday!”
Taking just a few minutes to update your out-of-office replies can make a real difference for your customers—and reduce follow-up emails for your team. When the message is friendly, professional, and upfront, you’re letting people know they’re valued, even if you’re out for a few days.
Keep your out-of-office replies focused and secure. Customers don’t need insight into your travel agenda, family visits, or the full rundown of your team’s personal plans—they just want to know when they’ll hear back. Including too many details isn’t just unnecessary; it can inadvertently expose your business or staff to security risks by broadcasting when people are away.
The best approach is simple and professional: share only the dates you’ll be unavailable, set clear expectations for response times, and provide an alternate contact for urgent requests. This protects your team and reduces confusion, while still keeping customers in the loop. If you want to share your vacation stories, save them for your personal channels—not your business communication.
Holiday callers are often pressed for time and already managing a bit of seasonal stress. Double-check that your phone system is ready for the uptick in activity. Start by verifying that your voicemail greeting reflects current holiday hours and routes callers correctly—no one appreciates being stuck in a loop or left wondering if their message was received.
Don’t assume everything’s up to date—call your own main number from an outside line. This quick step can catch common issues like outdated greetings, incorrect menu options, or missed updates from previous years. Listen all the way through and test any options for urgent support or on-call contact. If your system offers automated transfers or priority routing, confirm that these features work as intended during your closure dates.
A clear, professional voicemail sets the right expectations and lets your customers know they’re in good hands—even after hours. Bonus points for a message that matches your business’s tone and offers a path for urgent needs.
Sample 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, and thanks for your patience!”
If your business handles shipping or deliveries, it’s essential to set clear expectations well before the holiday rush. Make your “order by” dates impossible to miss—feature them prominently on your website, in shopping carts, and across your social channels. Send reminder emails as key cutoffs approach, and consider adding a gentle countdown banner for last-minute shoppers.
Transparency is key: Communicate how holiday schedules, carrier delays, or supply chain hiccups could impact delivery times. Proactively addressing these variables helps customers plan and shows that you respect their time and commitments.
When deadlines are missed, disappointment follows—a delayed package is an inconvenience; unmet expectations erode trust. No customer wants to explain their late gift, and you don’t want to be remembered as the business that ruined a special occasion. By giving customers all the information up front and offering alternatives—such as in-store pickup or expedited options—you can help them make informed decisions and turn a potential pain point into an opportunity to impress.
Holiday tech etiquette is straightforward, but its impact can’t be overstated. At its core, it’s about setting clear boundaries, communicating authentically, and consistently respecting your customers’ time. By making a few timely updates—adjusting hours online, refining your out-of-office responses, and testing your phone systems—you’re not just avoiding headaches; you’re sending a clear message that your business values reliability and attention to detail.
Ultimately, the goal goes beyond sidestepping issues. You want your customers to feel genuinely supported, even in your absence. This sense of care helps strengthen trust and keeps your reputation positive long after the holidays have passed.
If you’d like support ensuring your systems and customer experience remain seamless and professional throughout the holiday season, let’s connect. We’ll help keep operations steady so you can enjoy your downtime, confident that your business is in good hands.