Require clear KPIs: order accuracy, on-time shipment rate, dock-to-stock and cycle time, inventory accuracy, returns turnaround, claim rate, and SLA breach penalties. Also verify WMS integration, EDI/API availability, security protocols, and scalability guarantees to ensure operational visibility and accountability.

Proximity to Black Sea ports, national roads and rail corridors reduces transit miles and handling events, lowering landed cost. Assess local carrier density, weekly sailings, border clearance times, and modal transfer points; factor these into zone-based transit maps and landed-cost models to compare 3PL routing options.

Prioritize high racking density, scalable mezzanine space, reliable WMS, real-time inventory syncing, dedicated pick-and-pack zones, returns processing, and available temperature-controlled areas. Also confirm surge labor plans, contingency power, and value-added services like kitting and custom packing to support peaks.

Negotiate transparent rate cards for storage and throughput tiers, minimums and volume discounts, SLA definitions with measurable KPIs and remedies, chargeback rules, insurance, customs brokerage responsibilities, audit rights, and flexible exit terms. Include change-of-scope clauses for seasonal scaling and clearly defined onboarding timelines.