Holiday Hours and Closures:
Communicating with Clients About Notary Availability
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”—unless your clients don’t know when you’re available and are frantically calling to book last-minute appointments. Let’s avoid that scenario this holiday season.
As notaries, the holidays bring a mix of challenges: balancing family traditions, managing a busy schedule, and staying available for those end-of-year signings. The key to thriving during this time isn’t working overtime—it’s communicating effectively with your clients. Let’s dive into how you can proactively share your holiday hours and closures while keeping your business running smoothly.
1. Set Your Holiday Schedule Early
Clients often plan around their own packed calendars, so the earlier you set and share your holiday hours, the better. Decide now which days you’ll work, what hours you’ll be available, and whether you’ll offer emergency or after-hours service.
Tip: Create a simple, clear schedule. For example:
- December 24th: Open 9 AM–12 PM (limited appointments)
- December 25th: Closed for Christmas
- December 31st: Open 9 AM–3 PM
- January 1st: Closed for New Year’s Day
2. Update All Your Communication Channels
Make sure your holiday hours are easy to find. Your clients should never have to guess when you’re available!
Website & Google Business Profile: Post your schedule prominently on your homepage and update your hours on your Google profile to reflect closures.
Social Media: Use festive graphics to share your hours with a fun and engaging touch.
Email Signature: Add a quick note to your signature, such as, “Holiday Hours: Closed Dec 25th & Jan 1st.”
Pro Tip: Add a pinned post to your Instagram and Facebook profiles for quick visibility.
3. Send Out Client Reminders
Whether your clients are estate planning attorneys, escrow officers, or individuals needing general notary work, a quick email or text reminder about your availability is always appreciated.
Here’s a sample message:
Subject: Holiday Hours for [Your Business Name]
Hi [Name],
The holiday season is here, and we want to ensure your notary needs are taken care of! Here are our holiday hours:
December 24th: Open 9 AM–12 PM
December 25th: Closed
December 31st: Open 9 AM–3 PM
January 1st: Closed
If you need assistance, please book your appointment early as slots are filling quickly!
Wishing you a joyful holiday season,
[Your Name]
4. Plan for Emergencies
Even if you don’t plan to work on major holidays, consider offering emergency services for an additional fee. Some clients may need urgent notarizations, and this could be a way to provide value while respecting your time.
Tip: Clearly communicate the terms of emergency services. For example:
- Available only on December 25th for emergencies (additional fee of $X applies).
5. Be Transparent and Compassionate
Everyone is busy on holidays, so clients will appreciate your transparency and professionalism. If your schedule is booked solid, let them know early so they can explore alternatives. At the same time, show compassion—it’s the season of giving, after all.
Ready to Streamline Your Holiday Communication?
By taking these steps, you’ll not only reduce holiday stress but also strengthen client relationships. A little planning and proactive communication go a long way in keeping your notary business running like a well-oiled machine, even during the busiest time of the year.
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Happy Holidays from JKC Mobile Notary! 🎄
