Turkey has a state-owned PTT postal service and several large private operators. These include PTT Kargo, Yurtiçi Kargo, Aras Kargo, Sürat Kargo, MNG Kargo. They work according to a similar scheme: parcels are accepted at the branch or at your home, transported across the country and delivered to the recipient at the branch or by courier. The system is developed: branch and courier networks cover almost the whole of Turkey.
How shipping works
Unlike in Russia, the Turkish services usually do not coordinate the exact time of the visit. The courier arrives without warning or sends an SMS immediately before arrival. If no one is at home, he may or may not call and offer to leave the parcel with the neighbors or at a nearby store. The standard practice is that the courier tries to deliver the parcel once; then it is sent to the branch, where you can pick it up within three days. After that, the shipment is returned to the sender. It is impossible to extend the shelf life.
Notifications and calls
After sending a parcel, you receive an SMS notification with the tracking number and a link to the carrier’s website. Sometimes, the SMS arrives when the courier arrives. Traditional carriers provide only basic notifications, so it’s important to monitor the status on their website or in the app. Some modern services allow you to change the delivery address, reschedule the delivery time, or redirect the parcel to a locker or pick-up point.
What happens if you’re not at home
- The courier calls to check if you’re home. If not, he will offer to leave the parcel at the neighbors, at the store or at the concierge (kapydzhi).
- Leaving parcels to neighbors or at the store. The courier asks you for an SMS code, and then leaves the parcel to a trusted person.
- The parcel goes to the branch. You need a passport or a kimlik to receive it. As a rule, you need to pick it up within three days.
Tips and Features
Advantages of the Turkish system
- Fast delivery. The country’s small territory and well-developed logistics allow for the delivery of parcels within a few days, sometimes the next day.
- Development of pick-up points and lockers. Major marketplaces are developing a network of pick-up points and automatic lockers, allowing customers to receive their parcels at any convenient time.
- Competition and affordable rates. The presence of several major operators ensures competitive prices.
Cons and nuances
- Lack of flexible time options. Most services do not have a fixed delivery time, so you need to be prepared to stay at home or pick up the package yourself.
- Short storage period. Packages are only stored for a limited time, usually three days, in offices and lockers.
- Heat and perishable items. It is very hot in Turkey during the summer, and medicines and test kits that require refrigeration may spoil if they are transported under normal conditions. It is better to use specialized services.
- The only attempt. If you miss the courier, there is no reshipment on another day.
Practical recommendations
- Track the package. Save SMS and tracking numbers, monitor the status on the website or in the app.
- Stay in touch. Answer calls from unfamiliar numbers on the day of delivery — it may be a courier.
- Make an agreement with neighbors. If you know that you won’t be available, arrange with your neighbors or the concierge in advance to accept the package.
- Use pick-up points and lockers. When ordering through marketplaces, choose delivery to a pick-up point or locker; this is convenient if you can’t wait for the courier.
- Take photos of your shipments. When sending, take photos of the package and the invoice to have proof in case of a dispute.
- Make returns through the app. To return an item, simply generate a code in the store’s app, bring the item to the store, and show the code to the staff member.
The Turkish cargo system has both advantages and disadvantages. It is fast and affordable, but less customer-centric compared to Russian services. To receive parcels without unnecessary stress, it is important to keep an eye on notifications, plan your deliveries in advance, and take advantage of the new pick-up services. By following these recommendations, you can easily adapt to the unique features of Turkish delivery.
