Prioritize metrics that reflect throughput and reliability: order cycle time, dock-to-stock time, picks per hour, on-time shipping rate, inventory accuracy, and chargeback frequency. Also evaluate WMS/API uptime, lead time variability, and carrier performance to quantify service levels versus cost.

Map customer density, carrier zones, and major retail/wholesale partners. Compare transit times, fuel and linehaul costs, and potential zone-skip opportunities. Calculate landed-cost impact using typical order profiles and peak-season volume projections to quantify savings.

Require WMS with API connectivity, real-time inventory visibility, support for batch and FIFO strategies, barcode/RFID readiness, EDI/REST integrations with carriers and marketplaces, and processes for reverse logistics with clear cost allocations.

Key components are storage rates, pick-and-pack fees, inbound receiving charges, pallet and handling fees, carrier passthroughs, and chargebacks. Ensure transparent SLAs, minimums, volume tiers, and termination terms; model TCO across seasonal peaks and returns to avoid surprises.