Key criteria include proximity to major roads and rail, available dock positions, clear-height and racking density, presence of temperature-controlled space, and inbound/outbound carrier networks. Also assess WMS/EDI capabilities, security, and contingency plans for peak seasons to ensure consistent SLA delivery.

Lower regional labor and occupancy costs in Sliven can reduce per-pick labor rates and storage charges, enabling more competitive cost-per-order for high-volume eCommerce. B2B customers should evaluate handling and palletization fees—negotiating volume discounts and multi-SKU handling rates to align service scope with margins.

Demand clear offerings for pick-and-pack accuracy, kitting, custom packaging, reverse logistics, and real-time WMS integrations. Evaluate the 3PL’s capacity to scale picks per hour, process returns quickly, and provide reporting for inventory visibility and cost allocation.

Perform site visits, verify insurance and certifications, review historical uptime and SLA adherence, and audit IT integrations (WMS/OMS/EDI). Include KPIs in the contract (OTIF, order accuracy, dwell time) and define penalties and escalation paths for cross-border customs delays and peak-season capacity guarantees.