Evaluate port and airport proximity, dock capacity, staging and cross-dock throughput, available rack and bulk storage, IT/OMS integration, returns processing, labor flexibility, and carrier diversity. Also validate customs handling experience and SLA performance data for peak seasons.

Transit times can be shorter for intra-island deliveries due to reduced road miles and fewer transits, while shipments to mainland Europe often rely on scheduled ferry or short sea services that add fixed transit windows. Evaluate frequency of sailings and airlift options for time-sensitive SKUs.

Model landed cost including port handling, intermodal transfers, fuel surcharges, inventory carrying, and labor. Factor in lower real estate rents, seasonal labor availability, local tax or investment incentives, and potential consolidation savings from regional cross-docking.

Confirm direct API integrations for order and inventory sync, WMS reporting cadence, EDI or SFTP options, support for marketplace order types, real-time inventory visibility, and documented change-management for promotions and peaks to avoid operational gaps.