Prioritize location relative to target markets and border crossings, WMS and API integrations for order flow, proven pick‑and‑pack throughput, SLAs for order accuracy and cutoffs, scalable pallet positions and seasonal labor availability, and clear reporting on inventory velocity and fulfilment KPIs.

Carrier access and transit times drive landed cost and delivery promise. Evaluate road connectivity to major trade corridors, frequency of carrier services, customs clearance points, and modal handoffs; shorter, more frequent carrier windows reduce buffer stock needs and improve order cycle predictability.

Verify racking density and usable pallet positions, available climate‑controlled storage, security and insurance coverage, bonded yard or customs facilitation if exporting, equipment maintenance, WMS capabilities and uptime, and staffing/labor agreements that affect service consistency.

Common components include storage (per pallet/day or monthly), receiving and putaway, pick‑and‑pack per line or order, outbound freight, returns handling, and accessorials (assembly, special packaging). Request a sample monthly bill run with your SKU mix and order profile to compare effective cost‑to‑serve across providers.