Prioritize WMS functionality and API integrations for inventory visibility, pick/pack accuracy targets, scalable racked capacity, temperature control if required, cross‑dock throughput, and documented experience with returns processing and value‑add packaging. Confirm labor models for seasonal surges and carrier connections for last‑mile and regional distribution.

Location affects lead times through proximity to major highways and rail feeders; warehouses in Yangquan can reduce transit to northern hubs and provide cost advantages versus coastal storage. Access to rail consolidation and regional trucking lanes lowers per‑unit freight costs and improves schedule reliability for multi‑stop routes.

Negotiate transparent storage and handling rate tables, billing granularity, minimum volume terms, SLA metrics (OTD, pick accuracy, order cycle time), chargeback rules, inventory reconciliation cadence, and clear termination/notice clauses to limit exposure and align incentives.

Assess sample workflows: returned goods inspection time, restock rate, reverse logistics routing, kitting lead time, quality control steps, and labeling/serialization capabilities. Request performance data and run a pilot to validate throughput and cost per transaction before scaling.