Prioritise transit time to Dublin Port and major motorways, pick-and-pack accuracy, scalable slotting and peak staffing, multi-carrier integration, and visibility (WMS/EDI). Also evaluate SLAs for order cutoffs, returns processing, and customs paperwork for cross-border shipments.

Wicklow's proximity to Dublin Port and the M11 reduces road miles and dwell time, lowering fuel and freight charges and improving delivery windows. Better carrier density supports competitive LTL and parcel pricing, which can materially reduce landed cost and transit variability.

Key features include segregated pick-and-pack zones, mezzanine and racking flexibility, returns processing stations, chilled storage if needed, and an integrated WMS with marketplace and carrier APIs to support inventory sync and same-day/next-day fulfilment.

Negotiate clear SLAs for accuracy, lead time, and claims; transparent chargeback schedules; scalable capacity clauses for seasonality; inventory reconciliation cadences; and KPIs tied to penalties or credits. Include escape clauses for service degradation and defined onboarding timelines.

Model ROI using total landed cost per SKU (rent, labour, transport), expected transit-time improvements, service-level impact on sales/returns, and one-time relocation/integration costs. Run scenario analyses for peak volume and cross-border demand to quantify payback horizon.