Prioritize carrier connectivity (road, rail, port and air), order-to-shipment lead times, SKU-level picking capabilities, returns and reverse logistics processes, and integration options (API, EDI). Also evaluate facility layout for peak season scalability and available value-added services such as kitting and temperature-controlled storage.

Northern Ostrobothnia typically offers competitive industrial rents and lower land costs versus southern hubs, while maintaining access to a skilled technical workforce in Oulu. This balance can reduce fixed overheads for inventory-heavy B2B models and support investments in automation where throughput justifies it.

Confirm direct road carrier lanes to major Nordic urban centers, rail connectivity into Finland’s national network, short-sea shipping options on the Gulf of Bothnia, and airfreight handling via Oulu airport. Ask about carrier contracts, transit time guarantees, and seasonal capacity plans.

Include clear SLAs for order accuracy, On-Time-In-Full (OTIF), pick-and-pack lead times, inbound receiving windows, inventory accuracy, claims handling, and penalties or remedies for missed targets. Ensure data integration and regular performance reviews are contractually specified.