Stealing Christmas

No, we're not talking about the Grinch here.  And to fast forward, I did not actually steal Christmas.

My ideal Christmas shopping experience happens online.  No driving, no parking, no crowds, no hassles.  Having a well-defined list of targets makes the experience that much better.  "Browsing" a store virtually just to look usually isn't fun for me.  I prefer to search, compare prices, execute the transaction, then move on with life.  Simple, easy, effective.  My definition of shopping joy.

This year I was especially prepared.  Great, well-defined list loaded with cool items and no "must have product of this year that everyone wants but the manufacturer didn't make enough so people stake out store delivery trucks and bid outrageous amounts on eBay to obtain".

Search, find, purchase, next item on the list, repeat.  It's just that easy.  Well, it was easy to start but there was an unexpected obstacle thrown in my path.  American Express did not approve of my shopping style.  At one point they decided to stop authorizing my transactions.  I wasn't spending thousands of dollars nor was there any kind of a credit issue.  Nope, they just stopped me cold.

I received an email from their fraud protection group stating that suspicious charges were identified and that I needed to call them before I could continue using the card.  I'll spare the details of that experience, but I can say that the whole process took about an hour.  In terms of physical shopping an hour is nothing, but in my ultra-efficient online shopping zone that probably added about 50% to my total shopping experience --- a serious performance hit.

Through this something became readily apparent.  My style of Christmas shopping probably looked much like someone who had stolen a credit card.  Quick purchases of really cool electronics, sophisticated gadgets, and trendy footwear.

They thought I was stealing Christmas.

I guess next year I need to rethink my shopping plan and spread out the purchases, like a good, patient criminal would.

Final note to AmEx:
I have mixed feelings about your concept of fraud protection.  As a consumer, I am protected from fraudulent purchases, so as much as you try to frame it as "we're looking out for you and you should thank us" what you're doing is protecting yourself to the detriment of your customers. Really, you didn't protect me here but instead made it inconvenient for me to use your product.  If you're going to cut me off like that then give me an easy way to tell you a purchase is legit.  Right now you make people call you to answer some questions.  That was painful.  One reason I love AmEx is because of the purchase protection and extended warranty benefits.  But throw roadblocks in my ability to actually use the card and I'll switch to that other card sitting in my wallet.  So, simple message: Make it easy for the customer... the real, legitimate, I'd like to buy stuff now customer.