The psychology that motivates tipping

I tip based on service.

I tip for good service at sit down restaurants. Waiters and waitresses get paid very little from the restaurant because tips are their pay. I don't like it when I am out with folks at a nice restaurant and they either don't tip or leave a tip that wouldn't pay for washing the dishes.

I find it hard to tip at a buffet or for pick up at a restaurant but if it is a restaurant I frequent regularly for pickup I tip because they remember me and put extras in and make sure it is hot and ready when I arrive versus having to wait. I have a hard time tipping taxis, porters etc because they are on salary and it is their job. I have a hard time tipping at a restaurant where I go up to a counter and order but they bring it to me. They didn't do anything but bring me my food that I stood in line to order. I also find it hard to tip for massages when i am paying the rate I am paying for the massage. Just doesn't make sense. Just my two cents.

Same here. Bussing tables in High School. Min. wage was $ 1.60 and we collected the tips for waitresses. Pumped gas same timeframe. Hauled hay for 2 cents a bale. So I know how hard they work for such little pay. You can tell if a waitress is being dogged out on the job. They keep smiling while the bosses and rude/drunken customers shout orders at them. I try to compensate for that and also for bona fide good service. I have tracked down and handed large tips to waitress vice leaving on the table so I could personally thank them for a good job. Conversely, if the service is bad and waitress acts entitled and like they don't care, I tip the bare minimum. To send a message that they need to work on their attitude and service.