Evaluate network coverage and transit times to key customers, access to bonded warehouses and customs clearance, WMS and API integrations for inventory visibility, labor productivity and error rates, scalability for peak seasons, and SLAs for picking, packing, and returns handling.

Proximity to Beibu Gulf ports and growing rail links reduces sea and road transit distances to ASEAN, cuts transshipment and inland trucking, and lowers landed cost. Combined with bonded facilities, these assets shorten lead times and simplify documentation for cross‑border shipments.

Prioritize robust WMS with real‑time inventory, OMS/ERP and carrier API integrations, configurable picking strategies, returns processing, kitting/assembly, SLA reporting, and support for slotting and automation where SKU velocity justifies it.

Negotiate clear pricing models (storage tiers, pick/pack, dimensional billing), minimums and volume discounts, performance‑based SLAs with penalties, inventory reconciliation cadence, liability/insurance terms, ramp‑up timelines, and exit or transition clauses to limit operational exposure.