How to buy a Turkish rug without being scammed?

Buying a Turkish rug can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to avoid scams and make sure you’re getting a genuine, high-quality rug at a fair price. At Alfombras de Estambul, we believe in transparency and want to help you make a smart purchase. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

1. Know the Difference Between Handmade & Machine-Made Rugs

Handmade Turkish rugs are crafted with care, while machine-made rugs are mass-produced and often passed off as handmade. Here’s how to spot the difference:

✅ Look at the back of the rug – Handmade rugs have knots that are not perfectly uniform, while machine-made rugs have a stiff, grid-like backing.
✅ Feel the texture – Authentic rugs are made of wool, silk, or cotton, while fake rugs may feel overly smooth (often synthetic).
✅ Check the fringe – On a handmade rug, the fringe is part of the rug’s foundation, not sewn on separately.

2. Avoid “Tourist Traps” & High-Pressure Sales

Many shops in tourist-heavy areas like the Grand Bazaar or Sultanahmet overcharge foreigners or use high-pressure sales tactics.

❌ Red Flags:

• "Special one-time discounts” – If a seller insists on a “limited-time” offer, it’s likely a scam.
• Unrealistically low prices – A genuine handmade rug cannot be sold for an extremely low price.
• Stories about “Government-certified” sales – Some sellers claim their rugs are government-certified at special discounts, which is often false.

✅ Tip: Take your time, compare prices, and don’t be afraid to walk away.

3. Understand Pricing – What’s a Fair Price for a Turkish Rug?

Prices for authentic Turkish rugs vary based on:
✔ Material – Silk rugs are the most expensive, followed by wool and wool-cotton blends.
✔ Size – Larger rugs cost more due to the time and effort required to weave them.
✔ Knot Density – The finer the knots, the higher the price.
✔ Age & Origin – Antique rugs or pieces from renowned regions (e.g., Hereke, Oushak) are more valuable.

✅ Tip: Ask for a price breakdown and compare with other shops before making a decision.

4. Get a Certificate of Authenticity

A reputable seller will provide a certificate stating the rug’s origin, material, and knot count. If the seller refuses, it’s a warning sign.

✅ Tip: You can also do a burn test (with seller’s permission) – burning a real wool or silk thread will smell like burnt hair, while a synthetic rug will smell like plastic.

5. Buy from a Trusted Seller

To ensure quality and authenticity, choose a rug store with a good reputation and real customer reviews.

💎 At Alfombras de Estambul, we offer:
✔ Authentic, handmade Turkish rugs with full transparency.
✔ Fair and honest pricing – no tourist scams or inflated costs.
✔ Certificates of authenticity for all our rugs.
✔ Worldwide shipping with guaranteed delivery.

Visit Us or Shop Online with Confidence

📍 Alfombras de Estambul – Your Trusted Source for Authentic Turkish Rugs.