Prioritize on-time pick/pack rates, order cycle time, inventory accuracy, dock-to-delivery transit days, and return processing time. Also verify SLA remedies, shrinkage rates, and the 3PL's reporting cadence and API support to ensure transparent performance monitoring.

Close proximity reduces drayage and inland transit time, improving delivery windows to northern France, the UK and regional distribution hubs. Shorter lanes lower variable transport spend and support more agile replenishment for seasonal or high-velocity SKUs.

Look for a modern WMS with real-time inventory, API/EDI connectivity to marketplaces and carriers, TMS integration for routing, barcode/RFID scanning, and returns processing workflows. These capabilities reduce errors and speed order-to-shipment cycles.

Calvados typically offers lower real estate rates and competitive labor costs versus Paris-area hubs, making it easier to scale seasonally. Trade-offs include fewer mega-hub services; however, many operators find the cost-to-service ratio favorable for regional distribution.