Key benchmarks include order lead time (receive-to-ship), pick accuracy, dock-to-stock time, inventory turnover, and cost-per-order. Require transparent SLA reporting, real-time WMS access, chargeback policies, and examples of continuous improvement initiatives tied to measurable KPIs.

Prioritize WMS with API integrations, scalable pick-and-pack labor, racking and floor space flexibility, cross-docking ability, and contingency plans for seasonal surges. Look for barcode scanning, EDI/API connectivity to carriers, and visibility tools for real-time inventory and order status.

Model total landed cost including inbound receipts, fulfillment labor, outbound freight, and returns handling. Use transit-time sensitivity by customer segment: prioritize closer sites for expedited lanes and lower-cost, more distant sites for slow-moving SKUs. Validate with scenario-based TCO and service-impact analysis.