Prioritize real-time inventory visibility, multi-channel order management, scalable pick-and-pack capacity, returns handling and temperature-controlled options if relevant. Confirm EDI/API connectivity with your sales channels and carriers to automate order flows and reduce manual exceptions.

Warehousing in Taranaki reduces transit time to west-coast customers and provides competitive road links to national highways. Lower facility and labor costs can decrease cost-per-order, but compare carrier lane rates and distribution density to ensure total landed cost improvements.

Negotiate SLA metrics for order accuracy, on-time shipment, inventory accuracy and dock-to-ship times. Require EDI/API access, standardized reporting, cycle-count frequency and penalty or remediation clauses for repeated SLA breaches to maintain operational predictability.

Assess the provider's access to temporary labor pools, additional rackable space, and subcontractor networks for peak surges. Verify lead times for ramping capacity, equipment availability (e.g., pallet racking, conveyors) and contingency plans for supply chain disruptions.