Key factors: network reach and transit SLA to your customers, inventory visibility and WMS integration, handling and kitting capabilities, lead times for inbound replenishment, and cost structure (storage, pick/pack, and value-added services). Also verify carrier connectivity and contingency plans for seasonal peaks.

Costs in the Ahmednagar area are generally lower for land and labour than Pune or Mumbai, which can reduce per-SKU warehousing charges. Evaluate total landed cost (storage + transport + fulfillment fees) rather than unit rates alone to select a 3PL that optimizes overall cost-to-serve.

Prioritize a 3PL with a modern WMS offering real-time inventory, API-based carrier and marketplace integrations, barcode scanning and batch tracking, scalable racking and throughput capacity, and SLAs for order accuracy and same/next-day fulfillment.

Onboarding typically ranges from 4 to 10 weeks depending on system integration complexity, inventory readiness, and customization of packing processes. Shorter timelines are possible with template integrations and pre-defined SOPs; plan for pilot orders before full cutover.

Ask prospective 3PLs for lane maps, average transit times to your top destinations, carrier partners and service levels, proof-of-delivery reporting, and contingency routing. Validate sample lead times on key lanes and request historical performance metrics where available.