n Wrote:
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> The poster's attitude is inexcusable as well. You
> don't buy an economy class ticket, which
> effectively is what he did, then expect first
> class service. Cripes, what a maroon.

When an organization or business agrees to sell its product or service for a "sale" price, it is still offering the same product but simply at a lower price. Unless it is explicitly stated, it is the SAME product.

When I buy, say, an airline ticket I know I can pay a higher or lower price. Both fares will get me on the same plane, from the same gate at the same departure airport to the same gate at the same destination airport. But I also know that if I pay more, I'll get more "perks" (I'm using the term loosely) - for example if I have to change my plans I'll have fewer restrictions in changing my ticket, whereas a lower fare ticket might not even give me a refund except in extraordinary circumstances if I can't travel. But when I punch in my credit card number and accept the reservation I am agreeing to the contractual terms (or at least claim to.)

Likewise, if I ride an Amtrak train I know if I ride in coach, I am not entitled to a sleeper car room and my meals aren't included.

If I ride a tourist railroad it is no different. Sure, there the big, established railroads like the Durango & Silverton or the White Pass & Yukon that have different classes of service, but it is known up front what you are paying for. On the C&C, or the Mount Rainier, or any of the other roads, there's one class of service and one fare. If the railroad is drumming up business with a "sale" it's still the same product.

The fare rules aren't "If you buy a ticket with Groupon you are restricted to seating only after all regular fare ticket holders have been seated first." (In general, Groupons are limited so that the business isn't overwhelmed by the number of cut-rate ticket buyers.) And as mentioned, it is a marketing tool - you don't want to alienate a group of customers who WILL tell others of a bad experience (heck, just read this thread!) Working in a customer service business myself I have heard the phrase over and over - a customer with a good experience might tell two or three people about it; a customer with a bad experience will tell maybe 10 or 20 people about it. Bad news moves quickly.

That said...I've only ridden the C&C once (always a victim of poor timing - too many places to be at and not enough time), but have stopped in twice, and found the crew and staff to be very friendly and courteous. Got an impromptu "shop tour" on a non-operating day when I just happened to drop by when the crew was working on equipment one time...and the ride was great. The other time we couldn't ride but I did make a gift shop purchase.