The Mariano Rubinacci Shop

How is your Italian?

It surprises me how many things are put into production without a simple check by a native English speaker here. I see so many adverts with awful awful English. Pidgin English seems to be very cool amongst the populace here and as such must have trickled into the advertising sphere.

However, never underestimate an Italian's confidence in their own ability...

It raises concerns on the overall quality of the firm.

Given the inability of most native English speakers to communicate in any language other than their own, I don't find this all that remarkable. Sure, most Italians are pretty bad with foreign languages when compared to say, the Dutch, but they surely beat Americans and Brits in this regard. If you are so keen on Neapolitan tailoring, perhaps you should learn some Italian, like the rest of us.

But if they insist on having the website available in English, why not pay attention to correct usage? Having a native speaker read the texts through would not cost much.

Cultural stereotypes aside, it boils down to business. If you can't speak a language, or aren't willing to find/pay someone who does, then don't pretend like you do/can. I wouldn't make a sales call to a Russian firm with only the slightest notion of conversational Russian. It makes you look insincere and unprepared; never mind unqualified. That perception is only intensified when you realize the company is trying to sell $10,000 suits.

First of all, I doubt that any member of the Rubinacci family or organization give a shit about your feelings towards their website. I think they are doing all a favor by even attempting to offer their products in English. Secondly, comrade, how is your Italian? You did not give an answer.

Likely true. The art of studied apathy is crucial to being a success in the tailoring business. Or so it seems.

Seriously though, I've heard nothing but great things about their CS and internal processes. Just interesting since they have their London location. You'd think someone could have a look at what was being added to the site...

In any event, I don't think shaky English will keep us clothes nerds from buying online. And it sure as shit won't keep someone from flying to Naples for a fitting.

"Mather of pearl"

http://www.marianorubinacci.net/eshop/product.php?id=515&lang=2&linea=1


"Our shoe-macking techniques include the 'GOODYER Method'"

http://www.marianorubinacci.net/eshop/product.php?id=397&lang=2

Maybe you guys can put up a webstore written in perfect English and then we can make fun of the crappy merchandise?

I don't see how that is relevant.  If I were starting an online store aimed at people who speak a language other than my own, especially if I were selling luxury merchandise, I would get someone to translate it properly.  It's just unprofessional.  I would think twice about buying anything from that site if I happened to stumble upon it.  I wouldn't hand my CC over to a site that looks like it was run through Google translator.