Prioritize scalable floor space, real‑time WMS access, SLA-backed pick-and-pack, mixed pallet and piece picking, and robust returns processing. Evaluate historical surge support, dedicated carrier lanes, and performance KPIs like pick accuracy and order cycle time.

Air freight via Queenstown Airport reduces transit time for high‑value items; road links determine regional truck mileage and lead times. Carrier density affects rates and pickup frequencies — compare national couriers and regional hauliers to optimize cost-to-serve and delivery windows.

Require integrated WMS with EDI/API, inventory visibility, automated replenishment triggers, temperature control if needed, and SLA reporting. Confirm the 3PL’s capacity planning, cross-docking capabilities, and contingency plans for peak seasonal surges.

Use inventory segmentation (core vs. seasonal SKUs), employ micro‑fulfillment for high-velocity SKUs, negotiate hybrid pricing (storage + throughput), and leverage cross-dock workflows to reduce dwell time and lower storage fees without sacrificing delivery speed.

Assess facility footprint and scalability, review carrier integrations and shipping timetables, request SLA and KPI history, inspect IT security and data access, and validate contingency plans for seasonal volume and local infrastructure disruptions.