The holidays can be chaotic for small businesses. Between managing last-minute orders, juggling employee schedules, and keeping customers happy, even a small tech slip-up can ruin someone’s day.
At Service Solutions Inc., we help businesses across Louisville and Southern Indiana keep their systems running smoothly — especially during busy seasons when every detail counts. Use this “Holiday Tech Etiquette Guide” to avoid frustration, maintain professionalism, and make sure your technology supports your business instead of stressing you out.
🎄 1. Update Your Online Business Hours — Before Your First Angry Phone Call
Imagine this: A customer drives across town on their lunch break because Google says you’re open, only to find the lights off and doors locked. It’s not just inconvenient — it’s a hit to your reputation.
What to update:
- Your Google Business Profile (this one’s critical!)
- Social media pages — Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp
- Your website header or homepage banner with clear holiday hours
- Apple Maps and other directory listings
Sample update:
“Happy Holidays! We’ll be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Dec. 1 to spend time with family. We’ll reopen Monday morning — fueled by coffee and ready to help!”
💡 Pro Tip from Service Solutions Inc.: Keeping your online information current also boosts local SEO. Updated listings tell search engines (and customers) you’re active, responsive, and trustworthy.
💌 2. Set a Friendly, Human Out-of-Office Message
If you’re stepping away, don’t leave customers hanging. A warm, well-written autoresponder tells people you care — even when you’re out.
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. For urgent support, call 502-632-3481. Have a wonderful holiday!”
Avoid robotic or overly formal messages. Sound like a human — not an automated system.
🛑 3. Don’t Overshare Personal Details
Nobody needs to know your team’s exact travel plans or which beach Bob from Accounting is visiting. Sharing too much information in out-of-office replies or social posts can create security risks — especially if hackers know your office is empty.
Stick to the essentials:
✅ Dates you’re away
✅ When you’ll return
✅ Who to contact for urgent issues
Save the vacation photos for later (and post them safely, not in real time).
☎️ 4. Test Your Phone System Before the Rush
Holiday callers are often stressed and short on time. Make sure your voicemail greeting is current and matches your holiday hours.
Try this simple test: Call your own business line. You’d be amazed how many companies still have voicemail greetings from 2019!
Sample voicemail:
“You’ve reached Service Solutions Inc. We’re 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 support team. Happy Holidays!”
Pro Tip: Service Solutions Inc. can help you set up professional voicemail trees and call routing, so your customers always reach the right person — even when your office is closed.
📦 5. Communicate Shipping Deadlines Clearly
If your business ships products or delivers goods, make sure your holiday shipping and ordering deadlines are front and center.
Display them on your website, social media, and checkout pages, and send a reminder e-mail to customers. Late deliveries are disappointing — but missed expectations are what truly break trust.
💡 The Bottom Line: Good Tech Etiquette = Great Customer Experience
Holiday tech etiquette isn’t about being fancy — it’s about being thoughtful, consistent, and prepared. By setting expectations and maintaining strong communication, your small business can keep customers happy and avoid year-end chaos.
The goal isn’t just to prevent problems; it’s to make customers feel cared for — even when you’re not in the office.
🛠️ Need Help Keeping Your Business Running Smoothly This Season?
At Service Solutions Inc., we help small businesses across Kentucky and Southern Indiana eliminate IT headaches, improve communication systems, and protect their operations from cyber threats — even during the busiest times of year.
📞 Call 502-493-0811 or book your FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call at www.servicesolutions.us/discovery today.
We’ll help you simplify your systems, strengthen your tech, and make sure your holiday season runs without a hitch.
Because nothing says “Happy Holidays” like technology that actually works.
