Short answer: Yes, dropshipping is legal in Turkey. Selling products without holding stock and having the supplier ship them to the customer poses no legal problem. What matters is that, as the seller, you register your commercial activity and fulfil your obligations to the consumer.
This article is for general information only; consult your accountant and, if necessary, your lawyer about your tax and legal situation.
Is tax registration required?
Selling online regularly and for profit is a commercial activity and requires tax registration. Marketplaces such as Trendyol and Hepsiburada also ask for a tax certificate when you open a seller account. Someone who occasionally sells personal belongings is not treated the same as a seller who sells products regularly.
Which company type?
Most beginners start with a sole proprietorship, which is simpler to set up and keep accounts for. As your sales volume grows, switching to a limited company can be advantageous for tax purposes. Check with your accountant whether you can benefit from incentives such as the young entrepreneur exemption.
How is invoicing handled?
- The supplier issues an invoice to you (as the buyer); this is your purchase invoice.
- You, in turn, issue a sales invoice to your customer. If you sell on a marketplace, most marketplaces offer e-invoice/e-archive integration.
- The difference between purchase and sales invoices is your commercial income and is taxed.
Consumer rights: distance selling and returns
In online sales, consumers generally have the right to withdraw without giving a reason within a certain period after receiving the product. Even if the supplier shipped the product, you as the seller are the customer’s point of contact. Therefore:
- Your store must include a pre-contract information form and a distance sales agreement.
- You should agree on the return address and process with your supplier in advance.
- Product descriptions must be accurate and complete.
Product images and brand use
Make sure you have permission before using the supplier’s images. Using another brand’s name or logo without permission can cause problems. Çanta Bayim allows its approved dealers to use its product images.
Checklist
- Complete your tax registration and work with an accountant.
- Put invoicing, return and cancellation rules with your supplier in writing.
- Add distance sales and return policies to your store.
- Keep your purchase and sales invoices in good order.
If you’re curious how dropshipping works, see our what is dropshipping? guide, and for bags specifically, our bag dropshipping page.