Business dos and don'ts in Turkey

Rvo,  Friday, 13 October 2017

Signing a 
contract 

Like all countries, Turkey has its own culture and customs. Turkey is increasingly focusing on the West. This is especially true for the business world.

Building a personal relationship is very important in Turkey. It is recommended that sufficient time is devoted to this. In business relationships, too, people regularly inquire about each other's well-being. Please bring along a Turkish contact person or interpreter who is familiar with the West.

Discussions

  • Use a few Turkish words for the first telephone or email contact.
  • Confirm your appointment shortly in advance and prepare well.
  • Do not place a standard price list with any quantity discounts on the table.
  • Exchange business cards as soon as you start a business conversation.
  • Preferably address your business partner with an academic title and surname.
  • Turkish entrepreneurs have an international orientation and are excellent negotiators.
  • Treat your interlocutor and his country with respect.
  • Take the time to discuss the matter (no haste).
  • Show genuine interest in the well-being of your business partner.
  • Avoid sensitive political issues.
  • Personal contact and mutual trust are important.
  • The dress code is formal: suit with tie.

  • Status

    Turkish business culture is formal and characterized by a hierarchical structure. It is vital that you speak to the right person within the company with which you want to do business. If you have a senior person sitting at the table, it is wise to have a delegation of similar weight.

    Come to your appointments on time. It is recommended to confirm your appointment shortly in advance.

    Contracts

    Engage a legal advisor who is well acquainted with Turkish trade laws. He or she must be familiar with Turkish law before drawing up a bargain. Record everything accurately in writing. Preferably do this in English. Define in the contract which is the competent court in the event of a conflict. The administrative backlog of court cases in Turkey is enormous. Make contracts clear. Make sure that the other party cannot perceive anything in any other way.

    Business Gifts

    Suitable business gifts include coffee, electronics or pens engraved with your company logo. If you visit a business partner at home, flowers or bonbons are a valued gift.

    This article of is based on . Translated from the Dutch language by Jos Deuling.