In our country guides (Germany, United Kingdom, Switzerland and others) we covered the differences in customs and logistics. This article brings together the common core: wherever you are, the 10 steps to placing a first CNC order in Turkey safely.
Step 1: Screen and Verify the Supplier
Sources: Google search, B2B platforms such as Europages and Techpilot, trade fairs, recommendations. Identify 3–5 candidates and check the following:
- Real address, landline telephone, company name; machine park and genuine workshop photos on the website.
- Trade registry entry (the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette can be searched online) and tax number.
- Validity of the ISO 9001 certificate (verification on the certification body's website using the certificate number).
- Workshop tour by video call: a 15-minute live tour says more than hundreds of photos.
- Red flags: only a mobile phone and a free e-mail address, avoiding giving an address, "we do everything" claims, no references, ISO certificate that cannot be verified.
For detailed criteria, see our 15 questions article.
Step 2: Prepare a Complete RFQ Package
STEP + PDF drawing, material (EN grade), tolerance and surface, quantity breaks (e.g. 50 / 200 / 1,000), annual forecast, delivery date, Incoterm preference, documentation expectations (inspection report, 3.1 certificate, FAI), packaging requirements, target price (if any). An incomplete RFQ produces quotes that cannot be compared. A template is available in our RFQ guide.
Step 3: Compare Quotes Line by Line
Unit price, set-up/programming, material, certificates, inspection report, packaging, freight, payment terms, lead time, validity. Choose not the lowest price but the lowest price with an aligned scope. A supplier who comes back with DFM or tolerance suggestions earns extra points; a supplier who quotes quickly without asking a single question is suspect. A supplier who asks no questions may not have read the drawing.
Step 4: Sign an NDA and Quality Agreement
A one-page English NDA is sufficient; it should be signed before sending technical drawings (also at the RFQ stage). The quality agreement (QSV/QAA) comes with the first order: acceptance criteria, inspection scope, complaint process, change notification, record retention. The expected content is described in our quality assurance article.
Step 5: Samples and First Article Approval
Start the first order with 1–5 samples (or set aside samples from the first batch of the series order). Request a 100% inspection report (FAI) against a ballooned drawing and the material certificate; verify the sample with your own measurements. The sample cost is usually paid (it can be credited against the series order). Moving to series without sample approval is the most common mistake on a first order. Details are in our FAI guide.
Step 6: Structure Payment to Share the Risk
Typical and reasonable structure for a first order: 30–50% on order confirmation, balance before shipment (after the inspection report and photos have been sent). Alternatives: 100% advance payment (only for very small orders), letter of credit (for large first orders, €300–1,000 in bank costs), 30 days after delivery (once the relationship is established). Always pay to a corporate bank account in the company's name, never to an IBAN that "changes" by e-mail; confirm any IBAN change by telephone. Payment and ordering steps are summarised in our EU guide.
Step 7: Define Incoterms and Transport
For a first order, DAP (the supplier delivers to your door; import declaration and VAT are yours) is the option with the fewest surprises; if you have your own forwarder, FCA Istanbul. Avoid EXW. For samples, express courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx, 2–3 days) is practical. Details are in our Incoterms guide.
Step 8: Clarify Customs and VAT in Advance
- EU: Zero customs duty with A.TR; only import VAT (offset in the return in most countries). You need an EORI number.
- United Kingdom: Zero customs duty with a statement on origin; import VAT via PVA in the return.
- Switzerland/Norway: Zero duty on industrial products; EUR.1 or origin declaration; VAT in the return.
- USA and others: The country's tariff applies; HS code and certificate of origin.
Tell your forwarder explicitly to use the documents in the import declaration. Document types are explained in our EUR.1 and A.TR article.
Step 9: Plan Incoming Inspection
On the first batch, carry out sampling measurements of critical dimensions and compare them with the supplier's report (same datum alignment and at 20 °C). If there is a discrepancy, report it within 48 hours with photo and measurement evidence; a good supplier responds with an 8D. After the first 3 batches, reduce incoming inspection according to supplier performance (skip-lot).
Step 10: Move to Series Production and a Long-Term Relationship
After sample approval and the first batch: framework agreement (annual quantity, price, adjustment rule), call-off orders, safety stock (1.5–2 times the transit time), annual supplier evaluation (OTD, PPM, communication) and review of price/packaging/reporting scope. Visiting the supplier once a year (or a video audit) strengthens the relationship and your priority.
Timeline (Typical)
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Screening and verification | 3–5 days |
| RFQ and quote | 2–5 days |
| NDA, comparison, decision | 3–5 days |
| Sample production and FAI | 1–3 weeks |
| Sample evaluation and approval | 3–5 days |
| First series batch | 3–5 weeks |
| Transport (Europe) | 3–8 days |
| Total | 8–12 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to make an advance payment to Turkey?
A partial advance payment (30–50%) to a corporate account in the company's name, to a verified supplier, is safe and standard in the industry. Avoid 100% advance payment and personal accounts.
Can I start with a small order?
Yes, and it is recommended; 1–5 samples or a first batch of 50–100 pieces tests the supplier at low risk. Turkish workshops are open to small first orders.
Will the language of communication be a problem?
English is standard in export-oriented Turkish workshops; German is also common. Preparing technical drawings with ISO symbols largely eliminates the language issue.
Time difference and holidays?
Turkey is 1–2 hours ahead of Central Europe; working days are Monday to Friday. Religious holidays (twice a year, 3–9 days) must be taken into account in the delivery plan; the supplier shares the calendar in advance.
Conclusion
Risk on a first order comes from skipping steps: an unverified supplier, an incomplete RFQ, series production without sample approval, 100% advance payment. When you follow these 10 steps in order, a first CNC order in Turkey is no riskier than working with a supplier within Europe. To get started, send your technical drawings and quantities via our quote form; we will build the first-order plan together, including NDA, samples and payment structure. To get to know our company, see our about us page.
