Direct marketing is not recommended for foreign products. Laws, regulations and language barriers are such that the most cost-effective way to market products in Turkey is through an agent or distributor.

The distributor should receive full materials and promotional information from the parent firm. Certain firms have found success in inviting the agent to the annual sales meeting in the host country. International trade fairs, exhibitions and events are a major form of sales promotion in Turkey. The U.S. Commercial Service and the Foreign Agricultural Service organize visits to U.S. trade shows for Turkish companies.

E-Commerce is mainly used in the banking industry. Increased use of e-commerce is being seen in Turkey.

Source: U.S. Commercial Service’s Guide to Doing Business in Turkey; Undersecretariat of the Prime Ministry of Foreign Trade’s Export Promotion Center