Buffet cars v Trolleys

[Indigo Soup]

These commercial companies with a duty to make as much money as they can for their shareholders choose to run trolleys rather than buffets. They are doing that because that generates more sales.

A little gem I came across lately - the Pullman Car Company provided virtually all sleeping cars in the United States during the first few decades of the twentieth century. Travel tickets were (theoretically) bought from the railway company, whilst the berth was bought from the Pullman Car Company, who then paid the railway to include their sleeping car in the train.

The Pullman Car Company had no interest in running restaurant cars, as they were not profitable. They did provide some - but only where the railway company paid them to provide the service as a way of attracting passengers who wouldn't travel if they couldn't get food on board.

Under present British conditions, the difficulty that train operating companies have isn't attracting people to trains, it's lack of space on the trains. I think that a lot of people would like on-train catering. But they'd like a seat more.

 

[BackOnTheTrain]

I stock up beforehand; using any onboard option is a last resort when I'm starved/parched.

 

[sprunt]

Yes, we get a percentage of commission on what we sell and have daily sales targets, as well as regular sales reviews. Sales and also, upselling accompanying products, are a very important part of my role, which is understandable when a large company trusts you to go out on your own with their stock and make them money.

As a passenger, I wish you got paid a (good) basic wage. When I'm travelling on a train (or anywhere really), someone trying to upsell to me is one of the most annoying things. I get that you're assessed on it, so I don't blame you, but if I'd wanted a bar of chocolate I'd have asked for one. (See also WH Smith).

 

[Bletchleyite]

As a passenger, I wish you got paid a (good) basic wage. When I'm travelling on a train (or anywhere really), someone trying to upsell to me is one of the most annoying things. I get that you're assessed on it, so I don't blame you, but if I'd wanted a bar of chocolate I'd have asked for one. (See also WH Smith).

The thing I find funniest about WHS is that they ask you if you want a bar of chocolate with your, err, bar of chocolate (should you have selected one that isn't on the till display). It's more comedy than annoying.

 

[sheff1]

When I'm travelling on a train (or anywhere really), someone trying to upsell to me is one of the most annoying things. I get that you're assessed on it, so I don't blame you, but if I'd wanted a bar of chocolate I'd have asked for one. (See also WH Smith).

Agreed. The other day at a shop till I was asked "do you want to buy a set of paint brushes ?" ... and, no, I wasn't buying a tin of paint at the time !