Confirm WMS integration, inventory accuracy metrics, pick/pack throughput, returns processing, and temperature control if required. Verify SLA terms for OTIF, lead-time guarantees, and exception handling. Assess security, insurance, and local carrier connectivity to validate quoted transit-cost assumptions.

Proximity to primary highways and regional feeder routes reduces drayage and last-mile legs, lowering shipping costs and transit variability. Strong carrier access enables consolidation and route optimization for omnichannel distribution, improving delivery windows and reducing safety stock needs.

Negotiate clear pricing (storage by pallet/ft², pick/pack, handling), minimums, and activity tiers. Set KPIs for inventory accuracy, order cycle time, and OTIF with remediation steps. Include service credits, term exit clauses, and defined technology/integration responsibilities to avoid hidden costs.

Yes. Shared-space and multi-tenant warehouses enable low initial CAPEX. Look for providers offering modular bay leasing, scalable labor pools, flexible SLAs, and real-time WMS access so volume growth can be absorbed without major reconfiguration or service disruption.