Prioritize validated carrier connectivity, dock and racking configurations, WMS compatibility (EDI/API), inventory accuracy metrics, temperature-control capacity if needed, demonstrated peak labor scalability, transparent SLA terms, and clear pricing for both storage and fulfillment to compare true landed costs.

Assess total landed cost: Wawa may offer lower facility and labor expenses but can increase final-mile distances. Model inbound routing, LTL rates, and parcel zones; consider multi-node networks or cross-docking to offset longer legs while capturing lower warehousing overhead.

Verify a modern WMS with real-time inventory, API/EDI integration, pick/pack productivity, on-time order cycle metrics, inventory accuracy rates, real-time shipment visibility, security protocols, and documented procedures for recalls, returns, and quality control.

Request documented surge plans, access to contracted temporary labor, proof of additional racking or overflow space, contingency carrier agreements, historical peak performance data, and clear KPIs tied to surge pricing and service-level guarantees to ensure responsiveness during peaks.