A first-order factory vetting checklist for Turkey: legal registration, audit reports, financial health, physical address, equipment, sample quality, references, and capacity verification. Skipping any step risks deposit loss.
- Checklist items
- 17 verification steps
- Time required
- 5-10 hours desk + 1-2 day site
- Cost
- USD 200-600 with third party
Step 1-4: Legal and registration
Verify company registration with Turkish chamber of commerce. Confirm tax registration number. Cross-check business address with public records. Verify export license if available.
Many fake factories have legitimate-looking websites. Independent verification through Mersis (Turkish business registry) is essential for first orders.
Step 5-8: Audit and certifications
Request current BSCI, SMETA, SA8000, WRAP or amfori RSP reports. Verify certificate scope, validity dates, and certification body. Cross-check on issuing body website where possible.
OEKO-TEX, GOTS, GRS certificates also require website verification. Photos of certificates are insufficient.
Step 9-12: Physical and operational
Verify factory physical address, building, photo-evidence of operation. Confirm machine count and capacity claims. Request equipment list with brands and models.
For first orders above USD 30,000, send a third-party inspector (SGS, BV, Intertek) for site visit. Cost USD 200-500.
Step 13-15: Financial and trust
Bank account verification, business history, references from past international buyers. Request 2-3 references with contact details.
Beware factories with no past international buyers, generic email addresses, or pressure tactics around quick deposits.
Step 16-17: Sample quality
Run 2-3 sample iterations before bulk order. Quality should match tech pack within agreed tolerances. Verify the sample-maker is the same as the bulk producer.
Some agents subcontract samples to specialist sample-makers while bulk goes to a different factory. Confirm the bulk producer in writing.
Red flags summary
100% upfront payment required. No physical address. Audit reports unavailable. Vague capacity claims. Aggressive sales pressure. No references. These should disqualify any potential supplier.
When in doubt, walk away. The Turkish market has 37,000+ registered factories; alternative suppliers are always available.