Tüketici

Tüketici is the Turkish term for a person who purchases goods or services for personal use or household consumption, rather than for production or resale. In economics and consumer studies, the tüketici is a fundamental agent in the market alongside producers and sellers. The term differs from müşteri (customer), which emphasizes a direct commercial relationship with a seller, and from alıcı (buyer) or kullanıcı (user) depending on context.

Turkey has a comprehensive consumer protection framework. Law No. 6502 on the Protection of Consumers establishes rights and responsibilities for both sellers and consumers, including safety, accurate information, the right to choose and to be heard, and redress against faulty products or unfair practices. In cases of distance selling or contracts concluded outside ordinary business premises, consumers typically have a withdrawal right within a prescribed period. The legal framework also covers product liability and remedies for defective goods.

Consumer behavior and consumption patterns influence demand, prices, and policy. The Turkish term for consumer welfare is tüketici refahı, and concepts such as tüketici artığı (consumer surplus) are used in microeconomic analysis. The tüketici is also a focal point in discussions of consumer rights, marketing ethics, and public policy aimed at ensuring safe products and fair commerce.

Usage notes: The word tüketici is used across law, economics, media, and everyday language. Its plural is tüketiciler. The related term müşteri refers to a buyer who interacts with a seller in a specific transaction; tüketici emphasizes the end consumer.