Many first orders from Turkey start with a deposit, with the balance due before shipment. The split is negotiated case by case (for example 30% up front), and there is no fixed rule. The risk is not the deposit itself, but paying it before you know who will receive it.

Before the deposit: four checks1. The company is real and active. Legal name, MERSIS number, tax number and gazette entries match. Read more: Turkish company registry guide.

2. The signatory can sign. The person on the proforma or contract appears in the signature circular.

3. The bank account belongs to the company. The IBAN holder name matches the legal name exactly.

4. The supplier can make the product. Activity code, production address and a video call fit the order size.

If any of these fail, do not pay until the difference is explained in writing.

Structure the payment, not just the price* Deposit: Paid only after the four checks; amount you can afford to lose on a first order

* Before shipment: Linked to a pre-shipment inspection or photos/video of the finished batch

* Balance: Against shipping documents; for larger orders, ask your bank about instruments such as a letter of credit

* Keep the first order small. A trial order limits your exposure while the supplier proves itself.

* Pay only to the company account named in the contract. Write the IBAN into the contract.

* Never accept bank detail changes by email alone. Call the supplier on a number you found yourself. More on this: payment fraud in Turkey.

* For larger orders, ask your bank about payment instruments such as a letter of credit. Each has its own costs, conditions and limits; your bank can explain them.

Warning signs at the payment stage* Pressure to pay "today" to secure a price or a production slot.

* A new IBAN, a personal account or an account in another country.

* A proforma from a company name that differs from the contract.

* A refusal to share basic company documents "for confidentiality".

How we helpEnterTurkey checks the company and its signatories before you pay, and compares the bank account holder name with the company's legal name. A Lite desk verification (USD 199) delivers an English report in 24 hours. Pro (USD 499) adds deeper official-record research, an outside check of the address and a sector view; Enterprise (from USD 1,500) adds an on-site factory and capacity audit. See packages.

Need it done for you? See our Turkish supplier verification service.

This article is general information, not legal or financial advice.