Tipping private guides in Napoli

We had a private, certified guide for the two of us in Naples and didn't tip extra. It wasn't expected. The hotel arranged the guide. We had a private guide in Herculaneum, and small group tours elsewhere. No extra tipping.

You are being targeted. They wouldn't dare tell that to an European.

We recently were in the AC, and tipped 10%, which is what was suggested at the bottom of their reservation form. After having the experiences, I did feel that our drivers were worth it. The traffic and roads are terribly congested, and our drivers stayed patient and entertained us with local knowledge.
( I suspect that Italians don't tip other Italians.)
Safe travels.

If your guide does a fantastic job, I would tip them 20 Euros, which is usually a bit less than 10% of the cost of a private guide. If they weren't all that - then ixnay on the iptay!

Our guide is one of Rick Steve’s recommendations in his guide to Naples.

Tipping 10% is ridiculous and rude, now do not complain if there are more and more workers totally paid under the table that want more than 10% because they need more than 10% to survive. Say thanks to those before you who, just like you, have refused for years to do what they were told and tipped anyway.

Once more: there are no mandatory tips in Italy and paying 10% more to a tax cheater is ridiculous. Now you know why it's also wrong and why you should have just replied saying: "Sorry, I disagree with tipping".

I’m dealing with a professional guide recommended by Rick Steve’s book I booked the guide 6 months ago, and paid her. I feel the guide should had told me 6 months ago that they wanted 20-25% tip! Not 2 days before!
I will definite say “I’m not comfortable with tipping” I’ll be traveling to Italy for the next 3 years, so I’ll be wiser.

We used Shared Tours recommended by RS for a tour in Naples in April and our guide refused a tip from the American couple on our tour. He clearly stated that tipping was not necessary.

Since when does the service provider decide what his tip should be BEFORE the service has been rendered?

No tipping!

The name of the extortionate guide should be mentioned here, and you should also send a note to the RS organization. Sometimes the RS notoriety is a "license to steal".

Since my tours start tomorrow, I prefer to report the guide after my tours finish. I have 4 tours ahead. Thank you all for your response, we travel yearly and this is the first time this happens

I hope you report back to us and let us know how it went.

I work as a guide and tip at least the 80% of the tour cost is welcomed.

:-D

I'm joking.

I repeat again: there are no "mandatory" tips in Italy.

each place there are specific customs regarding tipping
That is true: in places plenty of American tourists guide and waiter always expect tip. In Naples probably they expect it, but if you move in a little not-touristic village 20 miles far (same region, same province) probably nobody expect it. Simply because "mandatory" tip is not part of Italian culture.
Of course a tip is welcomed: nobody say no to more money (but even a beer or be invited for lunch).

Definitely problems popping up with some restaurants in the RS guidebooks, too. When we were strong armed by one in Sorret, I said no.
You can't be soft in these situations, but direct. If she wanted 25% more, she should have charged 25% more and declared it on her taxes. As Dario said, she's looking for money under the table. Watch your purse.
I reported the restaurant; you should definitely forward her email requesting the tip to RS Europe.