The holiday season can be equal parts joyful and chaotic. Customers are rushing to finish last-minute errands, employees are balancing family plans, and everyone’s patience is just a little thinner than usual.
The last thing you want? A frustrated customer or partner — all because of an easily avoidable tech mishap.
Think of this as your Holiday Tech Manners Guide — a checklist to help Metro Atlanta businesses keep operations running smoothly and reputations merry and bright. 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 drives across town during their lunch break because Google says you’re open… only to find the lights off and the door locked. Congratulations — you’ve just created someone’s villain origin story.
What to update:
- Your Google Business Profile (this is the big one!)
- Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, and Bing listings
- A holiday hours banner on your website
- Apple Maps (yes, people really use it)
Sample message:
“Happy Holidays! We’ll be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 1 to spend time with family. We’ll be back Monday morning — probably with too much pie, but ready to help!”
💡 Pro Tip: Update these listings at least a week in advance so customers (and search engines) have time to sync the new info.
💌 2. Set Friendly Out-of-Office Replies (That Don’t Sound Like Robots)
If you’re stepping away, don’t leave customers in email limbo wondering if you vanished into the holiday abyss. A great out-of-office message feels warm, personal, and professional.
Sample message:
“Thanks for reaching out! Our office is closed for Thanksgiving from Nov. 28–Dec. 1. We’ll respond as soon as we’re back and caffeinated. If it’s urgent, call our support team at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!”
Avoid stiff corporate language — this is your chance to remind customers that real people run your business.
🧳 3. Don’t Overshare in Your Auto-Replies (Nobody Needs Your Itinerary)
Your customers don’t need to know that you’re flying to Denver to visit Aunt Carol or that Bob from Accounting is hosting a “Friendsgiving Tour.”
Besides being too personal, sharing travel details can also create security risks. Keep messages short and professional: list dates, response times, and alternate contacts — and save the travel stories for social media.
☎️ 4. Test Your Phone Systems (Before They Test Your Patience)
Holiday callers are often in a hurry. Make sure your voicemail greeting matches your actual hours — you’d be amazed how many companies still have recordings from 2019.
Sample voicemail:
“You’ve reached [Business Name]. We’re currently closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave a message and we’ll return your call Monday morning. For urgent matters, press 1 to reach our on-call team. Happy Holidays!”
📞 Pro Tip: Call your own business number to confirm your menu options, greetings, and forwarding rules work properly.
📦 5. Communicate Shipping Deadlines (Before the Panic Sets In)
If your business ships products, make sure your holiday order deadlines are clear and visible. Display them on your homepage, checkout pages, and marketing emails.
Delayed deliveries are frustrating — but missed expectations can damage trust. Setting transparent timelines keeps customers informed and relationships intact.
Remember: Clarity now prevents apology emails later.
🎁 The Bottom Line: Good Tech Etiquette = Happy Customers = Better Business
Holiday tech etiquette isn’t complicated. It’s about communicating clearly, thinking ahead, and respecting people’s time.
A few quick updates can prevent a lot of frustration and ensure your business stands out for the right reasons this holiday season.
At Custom Technologies, Inc., we help Metro Atlanta businesses fine-tune their systems, automate communication, and strengthen their customer experience — so you can relax knowing your technology won’t let you down when it matters most.
📞 Book your free discovery call today to ensure your systems, messages, and networks are ready for the holidays.
Let us manage your network so you can manage your business.
🎄 FAQs: Holiday Tech Etiquette & Customer Experience for Small Businesses
Q1: Why is updating my business hours online so important?
Because 93% of customers check Google before visiting a business. If your hours are wrong, they’ll associate the inconvenience with your brand — and may not come back.
Q2: What’s the best way to set a professional out-of-office message?
Keep it short, polite, and warm. Include your return date, alternate contact options, and a holiday greeting. Avoid personal details that could compromise privacy or security.
Q3: How often should I test my phone system or voicemail?
Before every major holiday — and any time your schedule changes. Outdated greetings or broken phone trees create frustration and missed opportunities.
Q4: How can my business prevent tech issues during the holidays?
Schedule system checks in advance. Ensure your website, email, and network tools are updated and monitored. Partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) like Custom Technologies keeps your systems running smoothly through the busiest time of year.
Q5: How can Custom Technologies help Metro Atlanta businesses during the holidays?
We provide proactive IT management, cybersecurity protection, and reliable tech support — so your team can focus on customers, not glitches. From phone systems to cloud backups, we make sure your technology performs when your business needs it most.
