The holidays are already chaotic — customers racing from Point A to Point B, employees balancing family plans, and expectations skyrocketing. Technology should make things easier… not accidentally wreck someone’s Tuesday.
Consider this your Holiday Tech Manners Guide, brought to you by the local IT team who has seen everything (yes, even the “We forgot to update our Google hours and customers showed up angry” incident ).
Here’s how to keep your business polished, professional and people-friendly this season:
1. Update Your Online Hours
Before your first angry phone call
Picture this: a customer drives across town because Google says you’re open… but the door is locked and the lights are out.
Boom — instant villain origin story.
Where to update:
- Your Google Business Profile (the most important!)
- Facebook, Instagram, Yelp
- Your website banner
- Apple Maps (yes — people do use it)
Sample copy:
This tiny update = a huge customer service win.
2. Use Friendly Out-of-Office Replies
Customers hate feeling ghosted
A good auto-reply should sound helpful — not like it was written by a grumpy robot.
✔ Human
✔ Simple
✔ Shows you’ll respond soon
Example:
3. Don’t Overshare in OOO Messages
Nobody needs to know you’re at Aunt Carol’s
Sharing too many personal travel details can:
- Create security risks
- Invite scammers
- Overshare in ways that make HR sweat
Stick to:
- Dates
- When they can expect a reply
- Alternative contact info
Save the rest for Instagram.
4. Test Your Phone Systems
Before they test your patience
Holiday callers are rushed, stressed and usually hangry.
So check:
- Voicemail greeting
- Menu options
- After-hours routing
Pro tip:
Call your own business and pretend you’re a customer.
(You’d be shocked how many companies are still using their 2019 greeting.)
Short and sweet script:
5. Communicate Shipping + Service Deadlines
Prevent panic before it starts
If you ship, deliver, or provide services with deadlines — shout them early and often:
- Website header
- Email reminders
- Social posts
Because nothing ruins holiday romance like explaining:
“Your anniversary gift is arriving in… January.”
The Bottom Line
Holiday tech etiquette isn’t complicated — it’s:
✔ Clear communication
✔ Real-human language
✔ Respect for people’s time
A few small updates can protect your brand reputation and make your customers feel taken care of… even while you’re sipping hot cocoa on the couch.
Ready to make your holiday operations smooth and stress-free?
- Capstone IT helps South Florida businesses:
- Keep customer-facing tech polished
- Automate support + communications
- Review cyber-secure business processes
- Reduce holiday chaos
Book your free 15-minute discovery call
Let’s make sure your tech etiquette keeps customers merry — not mad.