Prioritize order accuracy, pick-and-pack throughput, real-time WMS integration, returns processing, and scalable labor plans. Verify slotting efficiency, ability to handle peak daily orders, and connectivity to your storefronts and carrier APIs to ensure seamless omnichannel execution.

Compare landed cost models that include warehousing rent, labor, handling fees, and transport legs. Run zone-rate analyses to estimate transit-time reductions and carrier fees; calculate inventory carrying vs. transport tradeoffs to determine net savings and service improvements.

Confirm bulk pallet racking, tail-lift and dock-level access, B2B labeling and ASN capabilities, and secure storage for regulated products. Review safety standards, insurance, and audit-readiness for corporate buyers and carrier compliance.

Insist on measurable KPIs: order accuracy, on-time shipment rate, dock-to-stock cycle time, and returns turnaround. Contractually define billing transparency, minimum throughput, scalability clauses, and data integration requirements for visibility and continuous improvement.