Evaluate proximity to Velana Airport and Malé harbor, inter-island transfer reliability, pick/pack accuracy, cold-chain capability, and systems integration (WMS/API) for storefronts and carriers. Also assess SLA for inter-island transfers, minimums, and the 3PL's experience with resort supply windows.

Staging inventory near Velana reduces door-to-door lead times by enabling quick air imports and immediate last-mile dispatch, lowering stockout risk. Air consolidation increases unit transport cost but shortens cycle time; 3PLs with combined air/sea options let you route by SKU velocity to optimize cost-to-serve.

Confirm the 3PL provides customs brokerage, accurate HS code classification, import manifest management, bonded or bonded-like staging where available, and clear duty/payment workflows. Ask for average clearance SLAs and examples handling perishables or regulated goods to gauge reliability.

Run a cost-to-serve analysis per SKU that includes landed cost, 3PL handling fees, inventory carrying costs, and potential stockout penalties. Segment SKUs by velocity: route fast movers by air for service, slow movers by sea for cost. Prefer 3PLs that supply consolidated reporting and flexible routing to switch modes as demand or cost conditions change.