Focus on measurable operational capabilities: documented SLAs for order lead time and accuracy, WMS/API integration for inventory visibility, inbound receiving and putaway capacity, scalable labor models for peak periods, and claims/damage handling processes. Verify references and on-site audits before contracting.

Transportation trade-offs often favor lower terminal and handling costs in Djougou with shorter inland legs to northern customers, while carrier frequency may be lower than coastal hubs. Consolidation, scheduled departures, and multi-modal planning help balance transit time and landed-cost advantages.

Include on-time shipment rate, order accuracy, inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock receiving times, pick-and-pack productivity, damage rates, and chargeback terms. Tie variable fees or service credits to measurable KPI thresholds to protect service levels.

Verify temperature-controlled storage with monitoring and alarms, reliable backup power and generators, certified hazmat storage and handling procedures, secure racking and CCTV, and documented QA and chain-of-custody processes to meet regulatory and customer requirements.

Use demand segmentation to locate safety stock near high-velocity markets, implement multi-echelon inventory planning with the 3PL, leverage zone skipping or pooled distribution for frequent lanes, and run periodic data-driven reviews with the provider to rebalance stock and minimize freight spend.