How To Start Dropshipping In Turkey In 2025
Why start dropshipping
Many people dream of a profitable business that serves customers all over the world. If you are one of them – you’re in the right place.
Dropshipping is the business that provides equal opportunities to everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you are an islander or a resident of a busy metropolis.
If you want to secure a better future for yourself and your family, you can easily set up an online business that will bring you money at any point of the globe. You don’t need to manufacture products or to buy them from someone in advance. All you need is stable Internet access and an online store. From here, your business journey begins.
How dropshipping works
Why start dropshipping in Turkey
Turkey has emerged as a compelling destination for entrepreneurs looking to start dropshipping businesses, driven by a rapidly growing middle class and increasing internet penetration. The country’s vibrant ecommerce landscape offers a unique blend of cost-effective trade and advanced infrastructure, making it an ideal market for new ventures.
One of the primary benefits of establishing a dropshipping business in Turkey is the minimal capital investment it requires. In contrast to traditional retail, where funds are often tied up in stock, dropshipping allows entrepreneurs to operate without the burden of inventory costs.
This model not only enhances operational efficiency but also facilitates rapid growth and scalability. It is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to enter the market without significant upfront costs. Besides, the 24/7 nature of online trade means that businesses can reach customers at any time, increasing sales opportunities and expanding their customer base.
Turkey’s diverse market also presents a range of niche opportunities. For example, there is a growing demand for specialized products, such as those catering to specific interests or lifestyles. An entrepreneur focusing on a niche like plant accessories or women’s products can find a receptive audience and capitalize on the lack of dedicated operators in these segments. This gap in the market can be a significant advantage for new dropshippers looking to differentiate themselves.
In light of the above, the supportive ecosystem in Turkey, including a wide range of marketing and advertising channels, as well as over 70 different payment methods, makes it easier for businesses to connect with their target audience and facilitate transactions . As the ecommerce market continues to grow, Turkey’s strategic position and robust infrastructure will likely attract more entrepreneurs, making it a fertile ground for dropshipping success.
Advantages and disadvantages of dropshipping in Turkey
Advantages of dropshipping in Turkey
Low startup costs: Dropshipping allows entrepreneurs to start an online business with minimal upfront investment, as they don’t need to purchase and store inventory.
Flexible product offerings: Dropshipping enables businesses to offer a wide range of products without the constraints of inventory management, allowing them to test new ideas and adapt to market trends.
Access to the Turkish market: Turkey has a population of over 84 million and a rapidly growing ecommerce industry, making it an attractive market for dropshippers.
Scalability and adaptability: Dropshipping’s low overhead costs and lack of physical inventory make it easier for businesses to scale operations and quickly adapt to changes in demand or market conditions.
Reduced inventory risks: By only purchasing products when they are ordered, dropshipping businesses can avoid the risks and costs associated with overstocking or holding unsold inventory.
Improved work-life balance: The remote nature of dropshipping allows entrepreneurs to manage their businesses from anywhere, providing more flexibility and a better work-life balance.
Streamlined operations: Dropshipping eliminates the need for tasks like warehousing, shipping, and inventory management, allowing business owners to focus on marketing, customer service, and other strategic priorities.
Global reach: Dropshipping enables businesses to sell to customers worldwide, including in Turkey, without the logistical challenges of international shipping and fulfillment.
Minimal overhead costs: Dropshipping businesses typically have lower overhead costs compared to traditional retail, as they don’t need to invest in physical store locations or large inventory.
Ease of entry: The low barriers to entry make dropshipping an attractive option for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those with limited capital or experience in ecommerce.
Disadvantages of dropshipping in Turkey
Quality control challenges: Dropshippers have limited control over the quality of the products they sell, as they rely on third-party suppliers, which can lead to customer dissatisfaction and reputational damage.
Shipping delays and costs: Shipping from international suppliers to Turkey can be slow and expensive, potentially affecting the profitability of the business and customer satisfaction.
Customer service complexities: Handling customer inquiries, returns, and exchanges can be more challenging for dropshipping businesses, as they don’t have direct control over the products.
Regulatory and tax considerations: Dropshippers in Turkey must navigate a complex regulatory landscape, including ecommerce, consumer protection, and tax laws, which can be time-consuming and costly to comply with.
Branding and differentiation: In a crowded market, dropshippers may struggle to build a strong brand and differentiate their offerings, making it harder to attract and retain customers.
Currency fluctuations: Dropshippers who source products from overseas suppliers may be exposed to currency exchange rate fluctuations, which can impact their profit margins.
Lack of control: Dropshippers have limited control over the entire fulfillment process, from product sourcing to shipping, which can make it challenging to ensure a consistent customer experience.
Market volatility: The Turkish economy and consumer spending patterns can be volatile, posing challenges for dropshippers in terms of adapting their business strategies and maintaining profitability.
What to dropship?
How much can you make with dropshipping?
How far you can go with dropshipping: real-life experience
FAQ
Is dropshipping legal in Turkey?
Yes! When you are dropshipping, you are not ‘fooling’ anyone, and you are not breaking any laws. You are simply helping other people receive the items they want - and enjoy the perfect customer service you provide.
However, pay attention to your choice of products. It is illegal to sell branded, copyrighted items, or things like weapons (even their sports or hunting models), knives, smoking mixtures, etc.
How much money do I need to start?
At least $150 is necessary - let’s do the maths.
If you have some technical skills and can assemble and set up a website yourself, you will need around $150.
First of all, you will need to buy a domain name (a good one costs about $10-15, and you will need to pay this fee every year to prolong your registration).
After that, you need a hosting: a server that makes your store info visible to the Internet user. You can use the basic hosting service from AliDropship (‘Silver Plan’) and only pay $69 per year.
Then, you will need to install WordPress, which is absolutely free, and buy AliDropship plugin, which costs $89. It should be enough: WordPress + AliDropship make a proper basis to create a fully functional dropshipping store.
If you don’t have these technical skills, you can order a ready-made store based on the AliDropship plugin. It will be made for you personally by an expert team: the specialists will even add the first products to your store. So, technically, it will be ready to sell items from day 1. The basic ready-made dropshipping store costs $299; together with the annual domain fee, you will have to pay $310-315 to launch your business.
How to choose the store niche?
First, it should be something that you really like - or, at least, know deeply. You will be picking products, making advertisements, and advising customers, so you absolutely need to be a pro in this.
Also, this niche should be popular with buyers and easy to promote online. Here is a complete niche selection guide that will help you!
What country to target?
Living in Turkey, you are not limited to your local market. You can serve customers all over the globe, even in Australia and North America. Remember your store niche and think who might be interested in these products. Where do these people live, most likely? That’s your target region!
Where to find the products?
AliDropship plugin lets you easily import products on your dropshipping website. Basically, it transfers the products’ titles, descriptions and images in a single click. So, all you need to do is browse and find good quality products from reputable sellers.
Alternatively, you can use a database of over 50,000 selected products which are guaranteed to be in high demand. This database is available within AliDropship plugin: you can see it when you go to the Import section of your AliDropship-based store. The best part is that all the products’ titles and descriptions are already edited there, so you won’t spend your own time doing this yourself.
If I sell products, how can I compete with itself?
AliExpress is a large shopping platform where sellers offer everything at once. At the same time, your niche dropshipping store is focused on a specific range of products. Surely, you are more client-oriented than a large-scale store, and this is why buyers will choose you over.
Will my buyers know they are actually buying items?
It’s not likely. Even if they see Chinese names/addresses/characters on the wrapping paper, it won’t tell them anything. Lots of warehouses and manufacturing facilities of the largest global companies are situated in China, so there is nothing strange if a buyer receives a package of the Chinese origin.
Also, you can write your suppliers directly and ask them not to put any promotional materials into the package. Sellers are always glad to partner with dropshipping store owners because this partnership is profitable, so they will be happy to help you.
Will my buyers agree to a long delivery?
Long delivery itself isn’t a problem. Your customers are not buying life critical items from you, so they don’t mind waiting - especially, if you offer them an appealing price and a low-cost shipping.
Besides, you can choose the ePacket delivery method which cuts up the delivery time significantly. With ePacket, it will take the packages 7-15 days to arrive.
What if a buyer asks me for a refund?
Refunds are the responsibility of the original suppliers. Usually, they refund low-cost purchases really quickly, so there is nothing for you to worry about.
How to promote the store?
To make profit from your store, you first of all need to attract traffic to it. There are lots of ways to promote your store online for free, so pick the ones you personally like. Also, read the free marketing tips for dropshipping business: an experienced team brings them to you every week!
Will WordPress or AliDropship limit my activity and charge business fees?
No. The only recurring fee is the domain fee - you will have to pay for it every year, otherwise, your site won’t be visible on the Internet.
WordPress is completely free, and all the AliDropship solutions only require a one-time payment. Whatever AliDropship tool or service you get, you remain a full owner of your business. There are no limits on the amount of orders you can accept, or the volume of profit you make, or the quantity and the content of the products you import, etc. You are your own boss!
Free Dropshipping Guide
