Tell customers about a temporary entrance change
Name the entrance customers should use, give a recognizable landmark, and state when the change applies. Describe access limitations accurately and provide a contact route for anyone who needs help planning a visit.
Write directions from the customer's approach
‘Use the side door’ is clear to staff but ambiguous to someone approaching from the car park. Specify the street, side of the building, or nearby landmark. Walk the route from the usual entrance and describe the decision points customers encounter.
Check steps, door widths, lighting, and whether an accessible entrance remains available before making access claims. If a route has limitations, name them factually and give a monitored contact route. Do not describe it as accessible without verifying the actual arrangement.
Before you send
- Walk the temporary route from the usual arrival point.
- Name the alternate door with a visible landmark or street.
- Confirm dates, hours, and any different pickup entrance.
- Put directional signs at the old entrance and key turns.
Message examples to adapt
These are original examples. Replace bracketed details and check every promise before using them.
Temporary customer entrance
Subject: Use [entrance] at [Business] from [date]
From [start date] through [end date], please enter [Business] through [door location and landmark]. Our usual [entrance] is closed for [work]. Opening hours remain [hours]. The temporary route has [verified limitation]. For visit arrangements, contact [details].
Collection-only entrance
Subject: [Business] collections move to [door] on [date]
For collections on [date], use [specific entrance], beside [landmark]. Browsing customers should still use [normal entrance]. Please have [order reference] ready. If the temporary collection route does not work for you, contact [details] before arriving.
Check the signs against the message
Give staff a copy of the same directions so telephone and in-person answers match. If customers keep arriving at the wrong door, inspect the sign at that exact decision point rather than adding more text to the email.
When the normal entrance returns, remove old arrows and publish the restored route if the change lasted long enough to alter customer habits. Keep an end date visible in archived notices.
Common questions
Is a map enough?
A map can help, but include written directions and the relevant landmark. Customers may not be able to load an image while approaching.
Should I share this only once?
Send when the route is confirmed and repeat only when timing or a change makes another notice useful.
Put this into practice
Send entrance changes as shop notices and keep on-site directions available to visitors outside your subscriber list.
KeepMPosted collects subscribers through a QR signup page and sends updates by email or Telegram using prepaid credits. Customers can choose the message types you offer. You write and send each update; SMS and scheduled sending are not available.