Can I order a book you don't have in the shop?
'Ordinare' — or-di-NA-re. Four syllables.
Use when a title is not in stock. Italian bookshops can almost always order books through their distributors. Delivery takes 2–5 days for most Italian titles. Rare or foreign titles may take longer.
'Ordinare' = to order. 'Che non avete in negozio' = that you don't have in the shop (relative clause with 'che'). Italian bookshops use centralised distribution systems (Messaggerie Libri, Fastbook) that give them access to most published Italian titles within 24–72 hours.
Quanto ci vuole per ordinarlo?
How long does it take to order it?
Asks about delivery time.
Posso lasciare un acconto?
Can I leave a deposit?
Some shops ask for a deposit on orders.
Mi avvisa quando arriva?
Will you let me know when it arrives?
Asks for notification.
Italian independent bookshops ('librerie indipendenti') are a cherished institution. Unlike in some countries, ordering at an independent bookshop is quick and personal — they know your name and call you. Supporting local bookshops rather than Amazon ('Amazzone' in Italian slang) is a growing movement in Italy.