Prioritize measurable KPIs and infrastructure: WMS integration, dock and staging capacity, cross-dock ability, SLA guarantees, and real-time inventory visibility. Also evaluate carrier partnerships, average transit times to core markets, labor availability, and cost-to-serve calculations to align services with demand patterns.

Multimodal options increase routing flexibility and can reduce lead times. Assess frequency of trucking lanes, proximity to air or feeder services, and carrier density. Where beneficial, use zone-skipping or consolidated lanes to lower last-mile costs and shorten reorder cycles for fast-moving SKUs.

Key features include real-time SKU visibility, order orchestration across channels, slotting optimization, batch and wave picking, and integrated returns processing. Ensure the WMS supports API connectivity to marketplaces and carriers and provides reporting for pick accuracy, dwell time, and throughput.

Compare landed cost components: storage per pallet/SKU, receiving and putaway fees, pick-and-pack rates, packing materials, outbound freight discounts, minimums, and chargebacks. Include seasonality, shrinkage assumptions, and integration or onboarding costs to model total cost-to-serve.

Request historical performance metrics, peak throughput references, and scale-up plans. Consider on-site audits, test orders, and a phased SLA tied to penalties and incentives. Review contingency plans for labor shortages, equipment failures, and carrier disruptions to ensure continuity during peaks.