Prioritise metrics like average pick-and-pack cycle time, order accuracy, dock-to-door transit times, and on-time-in-full (OTIF). Assess site attributes: racked density (SKU slots/pallet positions), cross-dock capacity, inbound/outbound dock configuration, WMS/TMS integration, and proximity to arterial roads for carrier access.

Location affects first-mile access to express and LTL carriers, travel time to urban delivery clusters, and fuel/driver costs. Warehouses near major arterials or the rail junction reduce deadhead miles and enable faster route density for last-mile carriers, improving delivery windows and lowering per-shipment rates.

Require segregated ambient and cold-chain zones, pallet racking, temperature monitoring, barcode scanning and real-time WMS with API connectivity to marketplace and carrier systems. Look for SLA-backed temperature controls, cycle-count processes and operational KPIs surfaced in dashboards for traceability.

Expect modular pricing: storage per pallet/CBM, receiving, pick-and-pack per order, and outbound handling. Negotiate short initial terms with defined scale tiers, volume discounts, capped rate increases, service-level credits, and clear onboarding timelines to add lanes, automation or additional capacity as volumes grow.