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PhrasesBargaining at the MarketÈ possibile ordinare qualcosa su misura?
B2formal

È possibile ordinare qualcosa su misura?

Is it possible to order something made to measure?

Pronunciation

'Misura' — 'mi-ZU-ra'. Three syllables, stress on second. The 's' between vowels is voiced ('z').

When to use it

When an artisan has the skill you're looking for but not exactly the item you want. Custom orders ('ordinazioni su misura') are a natural extension of market relationships.

What it means

'Su misura' = to measure/bespoke/custom. 'Ordinare' = to order. 'È possibile' = is it possible (polite). This phrase works for custom ceramics, leather goods, jewellery, textiles and woodwork.

Variations

Fa lavori su commissione?

Do you take commissions?

'Lavori su commissione' = commissioned work — more professional phrasing

Può farlo in un altro colore?

Can you make it in a different colour?

Simple customisation request

Quanto ci vuole per un ordine personalizzato?

How long does a custom order take?

Asking about production time for bespoke work

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: È possibile ordinare qualcosa su misura? Vorrei un servizio di ceramica personalizzato. Ceramista: Certo — è il mio lavoro principale. Lei sceglie il soggetto, i colori e la dimensione. Cliente: Quanto ci vuole? Ceramista: Sei-otto settimane. Le mando le foto di ogni fase se vuole seguire il lavoro.

Customer: Is it possible to order something made to measure? I'd like a personalised ceramic dinner service. Potter: Of course — it's my main work. You choose the subject, colours and size. Customer: How long does it take? Potter: Six to eight weeks. I'll send you photos of each stage if you'd like to follow the work.

Cultural Note

Italian artisan market vendors are often first and foremost studio craftspeople who attend markets to promote their work and gain clients. A commission ('commissione') from a foreign buyer is particularly valued — it often leads to long-term relationships and international word-of-mouth.