Require clear KPIs for: on-time fulfillment, order accuracy, dock-to-stock cycle time, inventory accuracy, units picked per hour, returns processing time and chargeback rates. Regular reporting cadence and root-cause analysis for misses are essential to maintain SLA compliance and continuous improvement.

Location impacts mileage-based carrier fees, transit windows to ports/airports, and enablement of pooled distribution. Proximity to M7/M8 reduces last-mile kilometers and can lower carrier zone costs, while clustering near logistics parks improves carrier density and gives more negotiation leverage on rates.

Confirm WMS functionality, real-time inventory APIs or EDI connectivity, order management system interfaces, carrier/shipping integrations, returns portal and reporting dashboards. Ideally test an integration pilot and SLA for data latency, reconciliation frequency and exception workflows.

Negotiate clear SLAs for order lead times and accuracy, fee transparency (storage, handling, returns), minimum commitments, scalability clauses for seasonal volume, inventory reconciliation cadence, liability limits, and defined exit terms including data handover and final stock reconciliation.