Prioritize proximity to Narita and port terminals, direct carrier connectivity, WMS and API integration, dock and staging capacity, and availability of cold chain or bonded storage. Request real lead-time data, inventory accuracy reports, and cost-to-serve modelling to validate expected savings and SLA compliance.

Chiba generally offers lower land and facility rates than central Tokyo while maintaining rapid access to metropolitan demand. Labor is available for shift operations and seasonal peaks, often at more favorable rates; evaluate total landed cost, inbound/outbound transit, and productivity metrics rather than rent alone.

Confirm expressway access, proximity to Narita airport, port handling capabilities, and availability of LTL, FCL, and rail freight options. Verify parcel carrier hubs and scheduled cutoffs, cross-dock capacity, and carriers’ SLA history for both domestic last-mile and international lanes.

Require real-time WMS/OMS integration, API or EDI connectivity, clear SLA definitions for order cycle times, inventory accuracy targets, and scalable labor plans. Ensure documented returns processing, inspection, and disposition workflows and peak-season surge plans with contingency capacity and KPIs.