Prioritize carrier access and transit times, WMS functionality and integration (API/EDI), inventory accuracy, pick/pack capabilities, returns processing, and available value-added services (kitting, labeling). Also verify bonded status, cold-chain capacity if needed, and SLA terms tied to performance metrics.

Mouhoun generally offers lower land and labor costs, reducing fixed occupancy and handling expenses. The trade-off can be slightly longer lane times to major ports or urban centers, so evaluate total landed cost — not just per-pallet rent — when modeling fulfillment economics.

Focus on road corridor reliability, access to national LTL/FTL carriers, proximity to regional feeder routes, and any available intermodal or container-handling assets. Strong last-mile carrier relationships and scheduled regional pickups reduce transit variability.

Include measurable SLAs for on-time shipment, order-cycle time, pick accuracy, inventory accuracy, and returns turn-around. Require regular reporting dashboards, agreed remediation steps for SLA breaches, and clear terms for seasonal capacity adjustments and audit rights.