Market research
See whether your product has a market in Türkiye, with local, real-world information
Online information about Türkiye is often scattered, outdated or only in Turkish. The Yeni İpekyolu (New Silk Road) team reviews public sources on the ground, walks markets and stores, and talks to dealers and industry representatives; we compile the findings into a clear Chinese report that helps you decide before you invest.
The reality of the Turkish market is on the shelf, not on the screen
Useful market information is mostly available only in Turkish
Very little Chinese-language information about the Turkish market can be found online, and English sources are often limited to general macro overviews. The information that is genuinely useful, such as industry association reports, chamber directories, dealer price lists and consumer reviews, is mostly only in Turkish and scattered across different websites and offline channels. Without a team that speaks Turkish and knows the local scene, it is hard to reach reliable primary information quickly.
The Turkish market also changes fast. Currency and inflation affect prices and consumption habits, so a report from a few years ago may not reflect today. Visiting stores and wholesalers, seeing the real shelf price and display, and talking face to face with dealers is often more revealing than any secondary source.
From TÜİK statistics to the wholesaler's shelf: two-stage research
We usually start with desk research: official statistics such as TÜİK, publications by industry associations and chambers, competitor brands' websites and marketplace stores are reviewed to build the basic framework of the market. Based on that framework, we then define the questions to verify in the field, such as which channels the product sells through, what the shelf price range is and which brands stand out.
Next come site visits and interviews. Prices and displays are recorded in retail stores, wholesalers and specialized markets; wherever possible, short interviews with dealers, shop owners or buyers reveal supply channels, margin expectations and their views on Chinese products. Finally, all findings are compiled in a Chinese report: conclusions first, followed by the supporting evidence and raw data.
Why is looking only at marketplace prices misleading?
A common mistake is drawing conclusions from marketplace prices alone. In Türkiye, many categories are still sold mainly through physical channels; platform prices may include campaign or installment effects and may not reflect the typical selling price. Another mistake is expecting an exact market size from the research; many sub-categories have no public statistics, and in such cases the channel structure and competitive landscape are more valuable.
Industry representatives in Türkiye are generally open to talking, but they prefer face-to-face or phone conversations to filling in surveys. Cold emails often go unanswered, while an introduction through a contact or a direct chat in the store is far more effective. Installment sales are very common in retail, and this must be taken into account when examining prices.
Decide first: price, competition or channel?
The most important thing is to clarify your key questions: do you want to understand price, competition, channels or consumer preferences? Share your product catalog or technical specifications, with the GTİP/HS code if available, so we can also point out import-related issues. If you know of competitor brands or potential customers, pass those on too.
Once the research is complete, the report can be used directly for entry strategy, distributor search or trade fair preparation. Many clients continue with us to contact promising partners identified in the report, so the knowledge gained turns straight into action.
Exporters and investors who have not yet decided on Türkiye
Exporters evaluating a new market
Those who want to know prices of similar products in Türkiye, the main competitors and consumer preferences. The findings show whether your export price is reasonable and whether the product needs to be adapted to the local market.
Investors preparing to invest in Türkiye
Those who want to see the structure, leading companies and trends of a sector in Türkiye. Through public sources and field interviews, we build a clear picture of the sector before the legal due diligence and lawyer stage.
Sellers planning to enter Turkish marketplaces
Those who want to see prices, reviews and best-sellers of similar products on Trendyol and Hepsiburada in advance. Analyzing buyer reviews often reveals what local consumers really care about, such as sizing, packaging or after-sales service.
Sector, competitors, prices and interviews in one Chinese report
Sector and market overview
Market structure and trends drawn from public statistics such as TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute) and publications by industry associations and chambers. The source and date of every data point are stated, and outdated or differently defined data are noted separately.
Competitor analysis
The main domestic and foreign brands are compared by product, price, channel and promotion methods. Local brands often have an advantage in channels and after-sales service; the report explains where those advantages lie.
Price and channel scan
Retail stores and wholesalers are visited, marketplace prices are recorded and channel layers are mapped out. Shelf photos are taken and display positions and promotion formats are noted, so it is as if you had seen the point of sale with your own eyes.
Import and certification summary
The customs, TSE or other certification topics typically encountered when importing the product; for definitive information, a customs broker is consulted. This section aims to show risks in advance and does not replace an official compliance opinion.
Industry interviews
Feedback from the field through short interviews with distributors, retailers or buyers. Interviews are conducted in Turkish, questions are agreed with you in advance and answers are summarized in Chinese.
Chinese research report
Findings, tables and photos are compiled with their sources in a Chinese report. The report opens with a short conclusion so management can decide quickly, with details for the implementation team further back.
Service summary and requirements
| Typical duration | Usually 2–5 weeks |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Quoted according to research scope |
| Method | Desk + field + interviews |
| Service languages | Chinese · Turkish · English |
| Cities served | Mainly Istanbul; also Ankara, Izmir and other cities |
The final price and timeline depend on your documents and scope; we send a clear quote within 2 hours.
What you need to provide
- Product information or catalog (GTİP/HS code, if available)
- The 3–5 key questions you most want answered
- Target city or region (e.g. Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir)
- Known competitors or reference brands, if any
Question list, field data and Chinese report presentation
- 1
Clarifying the questions
The key questions to be answered first are defined, such as price, competition or channel. The more focused the questions, the deeper the research and the easier it is to reach actionable conclusions.
- 2
Proposal and timeline
A proposal and timeline are given based on the depth of research and the cities covered. If the budget is limited, we suggest starting with the most critical part.
- 3
Data collection and field work
Desk research and site visits run together, with interviews arranged as needed. Interim findings are shared along the way, so the direction can be adjusted in time if something unexpected comes up.
- 4
Report delivery and presentation
The Chinese report is delivered and your questions are answered in an online meeting. If you wish, a Turkish version can also be prepared to share with local partners.
Frequently asked questions
Can you provide an exact market size?
We use public statistics and industry sources, stating their origin and limitations. In many sub-sectors there is no official data; in that case we provide a research-based estimate, clearly labeled as an estimate along with its basis. We do not invent figures to make a report look good.
Can you research online marketplaces only?
Yes. We can analyze prices, reviews and sellers on platforms such as Trendyol and Hepsiburada only; this usually takes less time and costs less. However, online prices do not always reflect the store channel; if you are planning physical distribution, we recommend adding site visits.
Can you connect us with customers after the research?
Yes. We can continue with promising partners identified in the research through our partner and distributor search service. Because we already know the market, we can present your product's advantages more precisely in later contacts.
Does the research cover only Istanbul?
No. Istanbul is usually the focus as the largest consumer and trade hub, but cities such as Ankara, İzmir and Bursa have different industrial and consumption patterns. We can add cities depending on your sector; travel arrangements are set out in the proposal.
Do you conduct interviews in our company's name?
That is your decision. We can state openly that we are researching on behalf of a Chinese company, or proceed as general market research without naming the client. We never pose as someone else or feign purchasing intent.
How quickly do the price figures in the report go out of date?
Because inflation and currency movements are fast in Türkiye, shelf prices change frequently; prices should be seen as a reference as of the research date. The report states the data collection date and focuses on price ranges and relative positioning rather than absolute figures. Regular short price updates can be arranged if you wish.
Are our information and the report kept confidential?
Yes. The product information you share and the report are used only for this project and are not given to third parties. If you wish, a non-disclosure agreement can be signed before we start.
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Tell us what you need in Türkiye
Our Chinese-speaking consultant reviews it for free and gives you a clear price and timeline.
