How to evaluate a Turkish supplier before a deposit

A polished catalogue is not enough to establish supplier readiness. Treat the first engagement as a verification process and keep commercial decisions tied to written evidence. Ask for the registered company name, address, tax details, production location, export experience, and the name of the person authorized to quote. Compare those details across the quotation, invoice draft, bank information, and company documents. Differences should be resolved before payment. For the product itself, request a specification sheet, sample approval process, quality inspection points, defect tolerance, packaging standard, and production lead time. For larger orders, agree on an inspection milestone before the balance is released. Use a written purchase order or contract that identifies the product, quantity, unit price, Incoterm, delivery window, inspection method, payment schedule, and remedy for non-conformance. Never rely on a chat message as the only commercial record.