Are you looking for manufacturers or wholesalers in Turkey? In this guide, we explain how you can use the Productmkr Supplier Database, and other methods, to find qualified suppliers producing clothing and textiles, jewellery, cosmetics, supplements, and many other products.
We also explain what buyers must know about vetting Turkish suppliers, and the steps you must take when contacting suppliers to request quotaions.
Supplier Overview
What kind of products are manufactured in Turkey?
Manufacturers in Turkey produce a variety of consumer products, as well as consumables, materials, building materials, and products for industry. Below you see an overview of a number of product categories where you can find manufacturers in Turkey:
- Clothing
- Sportswear
- Seamless wear
- Home textiles
- Children’s clothing
- Jewellery
- Accessories
- Bags
- Injection moulds
- Building materials
- Food packaging
- Product packaging
Productmkr Supplier Database
Turkey has been a key focus since we launched the Productmkr Supplier Database in early 2024. Turkey is only second to the EU in terms of the number of suppliers listed. Among these, most suppliers belong to the following product categories:
- Garments
- Sportswear
- Seamless wear
- Underwear and lingerie
- Children’s clothing
- Socks
- Blankets
- Bags
- Silver jewellery
- Gold jewellery
- Cosmetics
- Supplements
Using the supplier database to find Turkish companies is quite straightforward. As explained in the video, you only need to take the following steps:
Step 1: Select Location > Turkey
Step 2: Select one or more product categories. If you are looking for more specialised suppliers you will need to combine categories. For example, if you are looking for Turkish manufacturers producing seamless underwear – then you must select both underwear and seamless. Doing so means that you will find fewer, but more relevant, suppliers.
Step 3: You can now click on a supplier to open their profile page.
From this page, you can now contact the supplier directly to request a quotation. The RFQ should include sufficient product and material information, in addition to the following information:
- Requested quantity
- Destination
- Product standards and substance restrictions
- Your company name and details
Other supplier directories
There is no equivalent to Alibaba in Turkey. That being said, there are hundreds of Turkish suppliers on Alibaba itself. Then there’s also Europages, and a local version called TurkishExporters.
That being said, many suppliers in Turkey don’t have a strong online presence and are therefore harder to find online.
Trade shows
Perhaps the best way to find and meet suppliers in Turkey is to visit a trade show. Below is an overview of trade shows held annually in Turkey:
- JUNIOSHOW Bursa
- DOMOTEX Turkey
- F ISTANBUL
- Idef
- Çorlu AgroTech
- Aegean TMF
- Istanbul Hardware Fair
- Bursa Textile Show
- CNR Packaging Istanbul
- IMEX
Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of Commerce of various countries are present, primarily in Istanbul. These groups consist of individual members and corporate members. Many of these might be manufacturers themselves, or have factory contacts in their networks to which you can be introduced.
Here is an overview of various Chambers of Commerce that you could reach out to:
- AmCham Turkey
- The British Chamber of Commerce in Turkey
- Delegation of German Industry and Commerce Turkey
- Swedish Chamber of Commerce
- Dutch Business Association Turkey
- Austrian Chamber in Turkey
- Canadian Turkish Business Council
Sourcing companies
Sourcing companies often have their own established supplier networks, and the ability to identify qualified manufacturers outside the network.
However, it is important that the sourcing companies operate transparently. They need to clarify how they manage product compliance and quality assurance – and whether they will reveal which factory is manufacturing your product. Without this, they operate as a middleman or trader rather than an actual sourcing company.
It is also important to clarify early on how the sourcing company or agent is to be compensated. Some charge fixed service fees, while others charge a commission based on the order value. However, some are paid by the supplier, creating incentives not to choose the best possible manufacturer – but the one that pays the sourcing company the most.
How to select suppliers in Turkey
In practice, we use the same criteria to assess manufacturers in Turkey as we use for sourcing in China and Vietnam. Here’s a summary:
- Product scope
- Test reports
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- BSCI and Sedex
It’s essential the manufacturers is specialised in the relevant product category and materials. Further, it’s a good sign if they can provide pre-existing test reports, such as those based on REACH or OEKO Tex Standard 100.
Social compliance audit reports from BSCI or Sedex are also important in certain industries, especially if you are importing clothing and textile products.
FAQ
How many suppliers should we contact?
We recommend that you contact at least 10 suppliers. The response rate can be as low as 30 to 40%, which is why you need to have as many options as possible.
Why are so few suppliers in Turkey responding to my RFQ?
Many suppliers ignore requests for quotations that do not provide sufficient product information. It is therefore crucial that you provide a detailed specification that covers the following:
- Design drawings
- Bill of materials
- Product standards
- Logos and artwork
- Packaging design
Suppliers in Turkey do not want to be left guessing what you want to order. Further, most suppliers do not offer design services.
Bear in mind that these companies are flooded by spam emails from fake buyers, and may dismiss your request if you do not provide detailed information about the product, and your company.
Are Turkish suppliers easier to work with?
I would not say that manufacturers in Turkey are either more or less difficult to work with compared to suppliers in China or Europe for that matter.
The outcome ultimately comes down to if you have a detailed specification, and that you select a supplier that is qualified. Beyond that, product quality and compliance must be verified through quality checks and lab tests.
That said, Turkish suppliers are attractive to buyers in Europe and the Middle East due to proximity – which can mean faster deliveries and day to day communication in a closer time zone.
Are product prices lower in Turkey compared to China?
Products made in Turkey are generally more expensive than in China. However, the Turkish lira has lost significant value in recent years, which may not have been good for the country as a whole – but at the same time has made goods manufactured in Turkey cheaper for importers in other countries.
Shipping costs are also lower, at least for buyers based in the EU and the UK.
Product costs and freight rates are not the only factors that matter, though. The fact that you can get a product manufactured and delivered in 3 to 5 weeks, rather than 2 to 3 months, is incredibly valuable for many businesses. Some are willing to pay a higher unit price for this reason.
Are there any disadvantages to manufacturing in Turkey?
The main disadvantage, at least compared to China, is that fewer products are available. The case is that China remains the only realistic option for a wide range of products, such as OEM electronics or moulded plastic items. Generally speaking, the more manual assembly required to make a product – the less likely you are to find a supplier in Turkey.
Are quality inspections necessary when manufacturing in Turkey?
You cannot return defective or damaged products to a factory in Turkey unless they are willing to do so voluntarily. Hence, pre-shipment quality inspections are absolutely essential when importing anything from Turkey.
If you are based in the EU or the UK, you can easily fly to the factory yourself. That being said, there are plenty of quality inspection forms with staff based in Turkey that can do it for you.
Is lab testing necessary when manufacturing in Turkey?
Yes, you are responsible for ensuring compliance from any country, including Turkey. That being said, Turkish manufacturers tend to be somewhat informed when it comes to EU product regulations such as REACH.
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