Overview

Yusuf Arslan, founder of Sourcing Turkey and the Turkish chamber of commerce’s spokesperson, explains in the latest Helium 10 podcast how relocating production to Turkey can cut costs and shrink delivery windows for Amazon sellers. The combination of lower labor rates and proximity to European fulfillment centers creates a compelling alternative to traditional Asian sourcing, directly affecting margins and inventory agility.

Key Points

• Lower labor expenses — Turkish factories pay wages that are markedly below those in Western Europe, allowing sellers to reduce per‑unit manufacturing costs without sacrificing quality.
• Shortened transit times — Because Turkey borders the EU, sea or road shipments typically reach European Amazon fulfillment hubs within a few days, compared with the 3‑4‑week journeys from Southeast Asia.
• Skilled workforce — The country’s technical schools and vocational programs supply experienced staff in textiles, home goods, and electronics, delivering products that meet stringent Amazon standards.
• Small‑batch flexibility — Many Turkish suppliers accept minimum orders as low as a few hundred pieces, enabling sellers to test new SKUs or seasonal items without large upfront capital outlays.
• Transparent trade framework — Membership in multiple business associations and the active role of Sourcing Turkey give sellers access to clear contract terms and reliable communication channels.
• Competitive logistics ecosystem — Turkey’s modern ports in Istanbul and Izmir, coupled with efficient road links to the Balkans, provide multiple routing options that keep freight costs predictable.

How Production in Turkey Works

1. Demand definition & supplier scouting — The seller outlines product specifications, target price, and launch volume; Sourcing Turkey then taps its network to pinpoint manufacturers in industrial zones such as Istanbul’s Teknopark or Izmir’s Free Zone.
2. Prototype creation & quality validation — The chosen factory produces an initial sample; the seller inspects dimensions, material finish, and functional performance, requesting design tweaks before green‑lighting mass production.