Prioritize measurable KPIs: on-time shipment rate, pick-and-pack accuracy, inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock time, orders per hour and cost per order. Require SLA definitions, root-cause reporting and a regular performance review cadence to validate claims and drive continuous improvement.

Assess real-time inventory visibility, API/EDI connectivity, marketplace and carrier integrations, batch and event processing, barcode/scan accuracy and reporting flexibility. Confirm uptime SLAs, deployment timelines, and change-management support for promotions, SKUs and peak events.

Evaluate proximity to interstates and rail yards, average transit times to major demand centers, density of regional carriers, cross-dock and consolidation capability, and routing options to border crossings. These factors influence transit variability, freight rates and service consistency.

Model fixed and variable storage fees, receiving and put-away charges, pick-and-pack per-order fees, labor and seasonal premiums, accessorials, WMS/IT fees, minimums, inventory carrying costs, and return handling. Include scenario analysis for peak volumes and service credits tied to KPIs.