In Turkey, where half of those who survive on a monthly salary are forced to earn minimum wages or close to it, most businesses no longer inspire trust. Citizens whose bank account was reset to zero in the first week of the month are looking for a way out, and new business ideas are being discussed in households.
The first thing that comes to the mind of those who say "life cannot be like this" is marketing, which requires relatively low capital among commercial activities.
Mesut Şengün, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Marketers, states that in recent years, people with different business and educational backgrounds have registered with the chamber, and that research on how marketing is done has increased by those who want to have more control over working hours and income. In this process, some people in need may turn to selling by renting space from existing marketers, without registering as a tradesman yet. Şengün explains:
"Marketing is no longer considered a profession traditionally carried out by the family, but rather a field that offers the opportunity to earn a living. However, it should not be overlooked that it is a profession that is directly affected by weather conditions, requires physical labor and has serious operating costs. New entrepreneurs should also take into account the competitive conditions in the market places."
THERE ARE ALSO ADVERTISERS AND OPERATORS
Those who take all the risks and quit their jobs to make their way in marketing are happy to be their own boss, even though it is sometimes difficult; They state that living on wages is not sustainable under Turkey's current economic and working conditions. One of them is 26-year-old Ömer Faruk Özdemir. After graduating from the department of public relations and advertising, he looked for a job in this field but could not find it. He left after working for a while in the IT department at the headquarters of a chain ready-made clothing brand. She sells women's clothing products at her own stall in the markets. Stating that he is happy, Özdemir says: "Most university graduates cannot pay the expenses of four years while studying by working for five years. Why should a salary close to the minimum wage be enough? People no longer have special tastes."
K.Ö, who was previously a police officer, says he quit his job due to the high cost of living. K.Ö., who sells women's clothing products, says, "When you work somewhere, it is difficult to make it from salary to salary. Of course, there is risk in trading, but I am satisfied with the cash flow. I am more successful than in my previous life."
Evrim E., who worked as the business manager of a luxury restaurant for many years, could not rely on her job in terms of both working hours and earnings after her mother entered the cancer treatment process. Although E. says, "I covered all the treatment expenses by marketing. I get more reward for the time I spend in this job, I am more free," he adds that sales have dropped significantly this year due to the economic situation of the country.
On the other hand, according to the observations of E, who stated that he noticed many people who have just started marketing this year, the common reason is layoffs.
COSTS HAVE INCREASED MUCH
Istanbul Marketers Chamber President Mesut Şengün's statements about the latest situation in the markets are not very bright.
Emphasizing that tradesmen are stuck between increasing producer, market, transportation, diesel, municipal occupancy fees and other operating expenses and the purchasing power of the consumer, Şengün says: "We observe an increase in market orientation due to the search for affordable prices compared to stores, but this has not been reflected as a significant increase in the turnover and profit of tradesmen lately. While tradesmen cannot reflect all the cost increases on the price, consumers are now doing more price research and buying products as much as they need."
'CITIZENS ARE PASSING BY LOOKING AT THE COUNTER'
CHP Niğde Deputy Ömer Fethi Gürer said that there are plenty of products in the market but the prices cannot decrease. Gürer said, "There are products in the market, but retirees and low-income people just look at the stall and pass by," and argued that even though production increases, consumers cannot access cheap food due to high input costs, low purchase prices and the influence of intermediaries. Gürer said that planned production, public policies and strong cooperatives should be implemented in agriculture.
He also pointed out that the public's low purchase price as well as late price announcements lead to traders shaping the market.
