An interesting book on the art of tipping.
Steve sets out to be the Guru of Gratuity. He travels the world to meet strippers, cab drivers, moving men, bartenders, restroom attendants and many more. Tipping is big in America. The majority of workers in these industries depend on tips to supplement their income. The ideal of tipping first started in Europe among the gentry, but rapidly spread to America. Most of the people are ignorant when it comes to tipping - how much and who should you tip.
Steve has ran the gamut of all kinds of people. His most interesting sojourn seems to be in Las Vegas among the casinos and strip joints - the high class one and the down and dirty ones.Vegas is big on both. Remember the saying - "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." Evidently not as Steve has written all the ugly details in black and white. Steve appeared to take his mission too seriously as he spend money like it was water - stating he could write it off as research. (I wonder if the IRS feels the same way.)
If you are concerned who you should tip and how much , I recommend you read the book. However, some of the interview Steve conducted are with people the ordinary man or woman will never come in contact with or probably have never heard of.
I will admit it was an interesting book, but I will stick to my tried and true way of tipping for service received -15% to 20%. I probably will never give my mail person or delivery person a tip either at the time they deliver the item or at Christmas. I was not aware I should have tipped the movers when I moved across the city. After all, it cost a fortunate to do so and I had a number of items broken including an antique dinner room table. Should I move again I am duty bound to tip the movers regardless of what condition my possessions arrive in - according to Steve.
Recommended only if you have question regarding who, when and how much to tip. It may or may not change the way you think - or tip - but you will find it a intriguing read.
