Holiday Tech Etiquette for Small Businesses (or: How Not To Accidentally Ruin Someone’s Day)

The holidays are stressful enough without technology tripping you up. Customers are trying to squeeze in last-minute errands, employees are juggling family schedules and everyone’s expectations are cranked up to 11. The last thing you want is to accidentally frustrate people with avoidable tech slip-ups.

Think of this as your “Holiday Tech Manners Guide” – because nobody wants to be that business that ruins someone’s Tuesday.

1. Update Your Online Hours (Before Your First Angry Phone Call)

Picture this: A customer rushes across town during their lunch break 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.

What to update:

• Your Google Business Profile (the big one!)
• Facebook, Instagram, Yelp – anywhere customers might find you
• Your website banner with a friendly holiday schedule
• Apple Maps (yes, people actually use it)

Sample message: “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!”

2. Set Friendly Out-Of-Office Replies (That Don’t Sound Like Robots)

If you’re taking time off, don’t leave customers in e-mail purgatory, wondering if you’ve disappeared into the holiday abyss. A good auto-reply is like a friendly doorman – professional but human.

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!”

3. Don’t Overshare In Your “Out Of Office” (Nobody Needs Your Itinerary)

Keep it simple. Customers don’t need to know that you’re visiting Aunt Carol in Denver, that your office manager is flying to Cancún or that Bob from accounting is doing a “Friendsgiving potluck tour.”

Besides being TMI, sharing too many details can create security risks. Stick to dates, response times and alternate contacts. Save the travel stories for social media.

4. Test Your Phone Systems (Before They Test Your Patience)

Holiday callers are often in a rush and already stressed. Make sure your voicemail greeting actually matches your hours and doesn’t send people on a wild-goose chase.

Pro tip: Call your own number. Yes, really. You’d be surprised how many businesses have outdated greetings from 2019.

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!”

5. Communicate Shipping Deadlines (Before The Panic Sets In)

If your business involves shipping or deliveries, communicate deadlines clearly and early. Post your “order by” dates prominently online and send reminder e-mails to customers.

Delayed packages are frustrating, but missed expectations are relationship-killers. Nobody wants to explain to their spouse why the anniversary gift is arriving in January.

The Bottom Line: Good Etiquette = Happy Customers = Good Business

Holiday tech etiquette isn’t rocket science. It’s about setting clear expectations, communicating like a human being and respecting your customers’ time. A few quick updates can prevent a lot of frustration and keep your business reputation merry and bright.

Remember: The goal isn’t just to avoid problems – it’s to make your customers feel taken care of, even when you’re not there.

Want help making sure your systems (and your customer experience) stay polished and professional this holiday season? Let’s talk about simple ways to keep everything running smoothly while you enjoy some well-deserved time off.

Book your free discovery call here