1. Product Catalog and Inventory Management
This is where you enter your products with photos, descriptions, prices, and categories. The critical point is this: stock tracking should be automatic, not manual. When an item runs out, the site should mark it as 'out of stock' — otherwise you'll sell products you don't have, disappointing customers and triggering returns.
2. Shopping Cart and Payment System
The cart is where customers collect items before proceeding to checkout. The payment system is the most critical component. Common methods used in Turkey include:
- Virtual POS (provided by a bank or payment institution; collects credit/debit card payments online)
- 3D Secure authentication (increasingly mandatory; verifies the customer with OTP, reduces fraud)
- Cash on delivery (cash or card; processed through the logistics company)
- Bank transfer (especially practical for corporate customers)
- Installment options (offering installments across multiple banks increases conversion rates)
3. Shipping and Logistics Integration
When a customer places an order, it needs to be automatically sent to the shipping company, the tracking number forwarded to the customer, and the order status updated. Without this integration, you'll have to manually enter each order into the shipping system and copy tracking numbers — a process that quickly becomes overwhelming as orders grow.
4. Membership, Order Tracking, and Admin Panel
- Registration/login and password reset
- Viewing past orders and invoices/documents
- Shipping tracking number and order status
- Wishlist/favorites (optional but boosts conversions)
- Adding, editing, and updating prices and stock for products (without technical knowledge)
- Order list and status tracking
- Shipping operations (label creation, forwarding to carrier)
- Customer messages and return requests
- Basic sales reports (daily/monthly revenue, best-selling products)
5. Legal Requirements
If you're running an e-commerce business in Turkey, certain documents and policies are mandatory. These are important both as legal obligations and for building customer trust.
- Distance Selling Agreement (required under Consumer Protection Law No. 6502)
- Return and Cancellation Policy (14-day right of withdrawal must be clearly stated)
- KVKK (GDPR-equivalent) Disclosure Text (what personal data is collected, why, and how it's protected)
- Privacy Policy
- Cookie Policy and consent notice
- Contact information and company details (address, tax number)
6. Trust Signals and Mobile Compatibility
When a customer visits your site for the first time, they instinctively look for reassurance before they even consciously ask 'is this trustworthy?' Almost no one shops on a site without an SSL certificate (the padlock in the address bar). Beyond that, product reviews, testimonials, and a clear return guarantee make a significant difference in conversions.