Living in the 21st century comes with the challenges and opportunities of doing business in a rapidly digitizing world. E-commerce has become one of the most significant parts of this digitization.

The market size, broad customer base, and increased internet penetration make this sector highly attractive.

Turkey’s e-commerce market is growing rapidly. In 2020, it was observed that online sales reached 136 billion TL, and this number is expected to increase rapidly in the next few years. Local marketplaces such as Trendyol and Hepsiburada, along with international platforms like Amazon, are significantly contributing to this growth.The appeal of e-commerce is not just limited to its size and accessibility. Consumers are now looking for variety, price comparison, and convenience, and hence they are turning towards online shopping.

Research indicates that 80% of consumers in Turkey shop online. Therefore, e-commerce presents enormous potential for retailers and entrepreneurs.

However, there are some challenges for those considering entering this sector. You need to master various skills such as digital marketing, SEO, payment services, and customer service. In addition, there are a series of complex issues like compliance with legal regulations, taxes, and various permissions.

In particular, those considering joining popular marketplaces like Trendyol in the e-commerce market in Turkey may face some challenges. There are various requirements and costs such as the membership process, document submission, and commissions. Furthermore, to be successful on the platform, it is also essential to effectively stand out in an environment where competition is high.

However, overcoming all these challenges is possible with the right information and guidance.

E-Commerce Guide for Entrepreneurs

For those wishing to enter the e-commerce field, there are several basic steps and some factors to consider. Firstly, you need to determine your business model. Do you want to open an online store, or do you plan to sell on a marketplace? Understanding what products you will sell, the demographics you aim for, and the competition in the market is also important.

Membership to e-commerce platforms usually requires the submission of a set of documents and the fulfillment of some procedures. These documents generally include a trade registry gazette, tax plate, and signature circular. Also, it is important to understand the commissions and fees set by the platform.

Having knowledge in digital marketing and SEO is critical for reaching the right audience with your products.

Additionally, the smooth execution of customer service and payment transactions affects customer satisfaction and therefore the success of your business.

Moreover, you need to consider the startup and operational costs. The cost of starting an e-commerce business varies depending on your business model, platform, products, and other factors. It’s important to conduct a cost-profit analysis considering these.

Of course, you will also have to deal with a series of bureaucratic procedures during this process. It is very important to have accurate information on issues such as tax records, licenses, permissions, and documents and to complete them on time.

In conclusion, e-commerce can be a great opportunity, but you need to be equipped with the right information, preparation, and guidance. As ICS, we are here to guide you at every stage of this process. You too can enjoy growing your business by overcoming the bureaucracy barrier.

(The second part of the text will continue with cost and income analysis tables and more detailed information…

E-Commerce: Cost and Revenue Analysis

If you’re considering entering the e-commerce business, it’s essential to have a clear idea about the start-up and operational costs. Every business model and platform has its specific costs, but let’s examine the basic costs required to start an e-commerce business from a general perspective.

Startup Costs

E-commerce Platform Membership: Most platforms charge a membership fee. For instance, Trendyol charges approximately 500 TL per month for a standard store.

Stock Cost: You’ll need to create a stock of the products you plan to sell. This cost depends on the type and quantity of the product.

Website and Hosting: If you plan to create your website, you will need to budget for site design, domain, and hosting.

Payment Gateway: You will need a payment gateway service to accept online payments. These services generally charge a fee per transaction.

Licenses and Permits:There may be one-time costs and annual renewal costs for obtaining relevant licenses and permits.

Digital Marketing: You’ll need to allocate a budget for digital marketing activities such as SEO, SEM, social media advertising.

Operational Costs

Commissions and Fees: Most e-commerce platforms charge a commission per sale. For instance, Trendyol takes a percentage ranging from 4% to 15% as a general sales commission.

Shipping and Logistics: You have to consider logistics and shipping costs to deliver the products to your customers.

Customer Service: There will be salaries and other operational costs for your customer service team.

Website Maintenance and Updates: Periodic maintenance and updates are required to keep your website running smoothly.

Revenue Analysis

How much you earn from your e-commerce business depends on your sales volume, product margin, and operational efficiency.

However, with the right strategy and operational efficiency, e-commerce can be a significant source of income.

These are some of the basic costs and revenues to consider when starting an e-commerce business.

However, each business model has its specific details and requirements. At Al Mutaber Group , we can provide a customized cost and revenue analysis for you, enabling you to formulate your business plan and strategy more knowledgeably.

Reach out to us and find out how we can assist you in your e-commerce journey.