One of the most effective ways to expand into new markets is by selling products internationally and growing your trade. Thanks to e-commerce, even small businesses can now easily reach global customers. However, the selling process involves many details such as customs procedures, taxation, and marketplace selection.

How to Sell Products Abroad?

Exporting is one of the key factors that help businesses grow. So, how can you sell products abroad? The process typically depends on the destination country and the type of product. When building a strategy, it’s also crucial to consider the competitive conditions in the target market. The product sales process generally includes the following steps:

Complying with the import regulations of the selected country

Obtaining the necessary permits for the product

Learning about shipping and customs procedures

Starting sales through e-commerce platforms

What Documents Are Required for Selling Products Abroad?

When exporting from Turkey, a number of documents are required. Without these documents, it’s not possible to complete customs or tax procedures. The key documents needed to sell products abroad from Turkey include:

Invoice

Quality and health certificates

Customs declaration

Packing list

Insurance policy

Certificate of origin

Freight document

Export license

Foreign trade company registration document

Customer order form

Pros and Cons of Selling Products Abroad

Exporting comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the main impacts:

Enables access to a wider customer base

Increases brand awareness

Shipping costs can be high and delivery times may be longer

Tax and customs procedures can be complex

Marketplaces Where You Can Sell Products Abroad

There are many global marketplaces that accept Turkish sellers. Since each platform has different policies, the benefits of selling vary depending on the marketplace.

ETSY

A preferred platform for handmade or designer products. ETSY requires detailed product descriptions. Account verification is mandatory, and shipping integration is crucial.

Amazon

One of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms. With its Global Selling program, it is possible to sell from Turkey. Amazon stands out with its strong stock management, customer satisfaction, and fast shipping services.

Aliexpress

A platform focused on low-cost, Asia-based products targeting global customers. Commission rates and shipping policies may vary when selling on Aliexpress.

eBay

An important platform for selling second-hand or collectible items. Product photos, descriptions, and titles directly affect sales performance.

What Products Can Be Sold Abroad?

Many products sold in Turkey can be exported. Some of the common categories include:

Clothing and accessories

Handmade items

Digital designs

Home décor products

Electronic devices

How to Sell Wholesale and Retail Products Abroad?

With wholesale sales, large volumes of products are shipped abroad—usually business to business (B2B). In retail sales, the target audience is individual customers. E-commerce platforms are typically used for retail. Businesses can also leverage websites and social media to sell products internationally.

How to Prepare for Selling Products Abroad?

To begin selling products from Turkey to other countries, first define your target country. Then, research its trade and tax laws. Choosing the right shipping company, payment methods, and sales platforms is very important. Cultural differences should also be taken into account when creating marketing and communication strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Products Abroad

Entrepreneurs aiming to reach a global audience often ask about tax, invoicing, and shipping processes. These details vary by country. On average, international deliveries take between 7 and 21 days.

How to Issue an International Invoice?

Export invoices must be prepared in both Turkish and English. The invoice should clearly include the seller’s and buyer’s details, product information, and prices. It must also state the delivery terms, invoice date, and invoice number.

Are Taxes Paid When Selling Products Abroad?

One of the most common questions business owners ask is whether taxes apply when selling products abroad. When exporting from Turkey, VAT (Value Added Tax) is not charged. However, customs duties or sales taxes may still apply depending on the destination country.

What Does It Mean to Sell Goods Abroad?

Sending a product to another country for commercial purposes is known as exporting. Exporting helps businesses generate global income and contributes to the national economy.