Commercial agency (agent)

A commercial agent (acente) is an independent person whose profession is to continuously negotiate contracts within a defined territory on behalf of a merchant, or to conclude them in the merchant's name. Independence distinguishes the agent from employed sales staff.

Insurance, travel and distribution are the typical sectors. Unless otherwise agreed, the agent enjoys exclusivity in the territory and earns commission on transactions procured. Upon termination, if the principal continues to benefit from the customer base the agent has built, the agent may claim a statutory indemnity known as denkleştirme, provided the legal conditions are met.

The indemnity claim is the most litigated aspect of agency in Türkiye; it cannot be waived in advance and must be asserted within the statutory period following termination.