Prioritize transit reach to target markets, proximity to main freight corridors, and carrier density. Evaluate facility layout, racking, labor skillsets, and safety compliance. Require WMS features, integration capabilities, SLA templates, and clear cost breakdowns for storage, handling, and value-added services to ensure scalable, predictable fulfillment costs.

eCommerce pricing emphasizes pick-and-pack labor, order handling, and returns processing; B2B often focuses on pallet storage, inbound consolidation, and scheduled deliveries. Key cost drivers include storage cubic meters, pick density, inbound handling, packaging, and last-mile carrier rates; minimums and bandwidth fees can also affect total cost.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory sync, API/EDI connectivity to your OMS/ERP, support for barcode/RFID scanning, and reporting dashboards. Look for shipment tendering to multiple carriers, automated ASN handling, and portal access for returns and exceptions to maintain omnichannel SLAs and transparency.

Include on-time shipment %, order accuracy %, inventory accuracy %, pick-to-ship lead time, and claims resolution timelines. Define penalties or service credits for missed SLAs, set inventory audit frequency, outline inbound/outbound cutoffs, and require disaster recovery and capacity ramp clauses for peak seasons.