Question:
Originally Posted by gregmech26 "Few customs offer as much insight into someone's personality than the age-old practice of tipping. Those who make it a practice to leave extra large tips to a restaurant server may be naturally generous, or perhaps just thought the service was excellent. But, psychologists say, grossly overtipping can also be a sign of a large ego ("look at this money I'm throwing around") or a thinly veiled attempt by an insecure person to buy approval. "
http://www.forbes.com/2006/02/08/tip...08tipping.html
check mate Please reread your own quote and pay attention to the fact that it does not categorically state that leaving a large tip means that you have low self esteem. Rather, it says that it can indicate that. It also gives a few other examples of what it could mean.
If someone doesn't want to leave a tip there can also be many reasons for it. Perhaps they are broke, maybe they don't feel the service (or lack thereof) warranted a tip. Maybe they are simply against the practice of tipping. They could be cheap. Who knows?
I don't tip the numerous professionals that you have mentioned, either. They make considerably more than minimum wage and have already been well compensated for their hard work.
And I have, if fact, tipped the counter person at McDonalds. They work hard. They are paid little. If I am feeling flush, I tip them. Then they look at me like I'm nuts.

Answer:
I heartily encourage others to disregard this thread. It has obviously turned into someone's soapbox.
-b

Answer:
I think a delivery person should get 20%. they can basically only do one delivery at a time and each takes a fair amount of time. and they use their own cars and gas prices are so high.
20% for take out seems unnecessary but 10 or more seems a decent thing to do.
At really cheap coffee shops where the bill is under $10 I still leave $2.

Answer:
I live in Australia. Tipping is extremely rare - mainly because everyone is at least on the minimum wage, which is relatively high compared to the US and other places.
Some small amount of tipping does occur for very good service in a restaurant - but rarely above 10%.
The main source of tippers down here, is foreign tourists.
Renato