Prioritize transit time to key markets, road access to Adriatic ports, carrier density for FTL/LTL, facility layout for pick‑and‑pack vs pallet storage, customs and bonded options, SLA guarantees, and local labor availability. Verify WMS/API integrations and reporting for inventory accuracy and real‑time order orchestration.

Warehousing rents and labor rates are often lower than major national hubs, providing cost advantages for storage and fulfillment. Trade‑offs include fewer direct rail links and a stronger reliance on road transport; assess carrier schedules, consolidation options, and seasonal capacity constraints when forecasting landed cost.

Evaluate access to nearby Adriatic ports, regular FTL/LTL carrier services to EU nodes, customs brokerage capabilities, bonded warehousing options, and transshipment timing. Confirm 3PL experience with export documentation and cross‑border compliance to avoid clearance delays.

Require an integrated WMS with API/EDI connectivity, real‑time inventory visibility, configurable SLAs, order routing and splitting, returns processing, kitting/assembly, and reporting. Insist on disaster recovery, scalability for peak demand, and clear KPIs for accuracy, lead time, and on‑time delivery.