Private chef at house - what should we tip?

Zero, why paying more than the agreed price?

Dario, we have been brainwashed. I, for one, resent it.

That did get me thinking, though: many years ago my sister and her business partner rented a villa in Positano for a month. They invited various friends, colleagues, and family members to join them for a week or so each. The villa had a private cook who only prepared breakfast and lunch, but oh, my goodness those lunches were spectacular.

Angela (for that was her name) would go down to the docks every morning to meet the fishermen and get her pick of their catch. She made a seafood salad that was just phenomenal. At that point in my life, it was probably the most innovative and wonderful food I had ever eaten. It was also our first visit to Italy, and as soon as we could afford to go on our own, we did. (No villas in Positano though, lol)

I wonder if Linda and Susan tipped her; probably, but I have no idea.

we have been brainwashed

How very true. In addition, when tips are appropriate, greedflation has set in. Not inflation, greedflation. When I started being out and about, tips were 10%. And then only for wait staff at sit down restuarants. They gradually rose to 15 %, and now the minimum on many credit card receipts is 18% and some go as high as 25%. When I go to a coffee shop, place my order and pay at the counter, am handed a cup to fill with my coffee, have to walk to another counter to pick up my food, and are expected to bus my table, don't even think about a tip. Even saw a tip jar at a hardware store. This country has gone absolutely wacko with regard to tipping. Will get off my soap box now and go brew my own coffee.

• Minimum wage has risen from $9 to $16 and that includes servers in the past 10 years in my neck of the woods and yet the tipping has increased as well, shouldn't it have gone down?
• A coworker was charged $75/hr by a guy to fix his garage door a couple of weeks ago and a tip option came up on his debit machine.
• But to the question, if you're American, a tip will be expected until Americans put a stop to it.

Well, I do agree that the tipping in the states has gotten out of control. However, from what I’ve read in Italy for excellent service it is an option to tip up to 10% on service in a restaurant. Our chef has been excellent and we’d like to tip her, so we shall take a guess on the amount.

I would agree with Dario...nothing.

Is it her company or is she just an employee who isn’t earning a lot personally? That would make a big difference to me. If an employee I’d possibly give up to €100, but I’m not used to staying places with this level of service so I could be wildly off.

Well, I do agree that the tipping in the states has gotten out of
control. However, from what I’ve read in Italy for excellent service
it is an option to tip up to 10% on service in a restaurant.

And this is why tipping is out of control. Now we're tipping the chef? And it's not even in a restaurant. I have to wonder if the locals are getting less than preferential service when there are North Americans around tossing around money in spite of local customs.

Her service (cooking, cleaning dishes, serving etc- she has no help) has been better than anything we’ve had at any restaurant we’ve been to in Italy. Thanks for the insight!

I’ve read in Italy for excellent service it is an option to tip up to 10%

I don't know where you have read it, but the idea of paying up to 10% more because somebody did his job better tham others is simply ridiculous in Italy.

Do as you want, but do no complain when waiters ask for tips only to English speaking customers.

If tourists did what they are told it would be better for tourists and locals, but it seems impossible.

I actually read tipping information on Rick Steves website (and other places) https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/tipping-in-europe#:~:text=Across%20Mediterranean%20Europe%2C%20a%2010,tip%20up%20to%2010%20percent.)

Hello!

I am actually wondering if you could provide any information on the villa you are staying at. I am looking to rent one and also find a private chef. If you have a link that would be great. Thank you so much & I am sorry as I am not so sure on the tipping myself!

I understand that you are asking this question because you appreciate the service you have received and want to do "the right thing." The right thing here is whatever you want it to be. As Dario clearly states, there is no requirement for tip at all. You could tip nothing and be just fine. However, if you personally want to show extra appreciation, then just pick an amount that suits your budget and your sense of what you want to do. No one else's opinion matters.