Evaluate port and airport proximity, carrier diversity, warehousing footprint, WMS/TMS integration, and labor skill levels. Confirm SLA terms for order lead time, inventory accuracy, and returns. Also review bonded/FTZ access and value‑added services (kitting, labeling) to support omnichannel needs.

Cebu City generally offers lower rents and labor costs than Metro Manila, improving per‑unit fulfillment margins. Trade‑offs include potentially longer transit to Luzon customers and differing carrier frequency; optimal strategy segments inventory by demand and uses regional hubs to balance cost and delivery speed.

Confirm direct access to the Port of Cebu and Mactan–Cebu Airport, frequency of domestic feeder services, reliable trucking partners for last mile, and multimodal options (short sea, air, road). Ensure the 3PL has established carrier SLAs and real‑time tracking integrations.

Include measurable KPIs such as OTIF, order cycle time, inventory accuracy, picking accuracy, and returns processing time. Specify chargeback rules, security and audit protocols, onboarding timelines, and penalty clauses for SLA breaches to align incentives and transparency.

Integrate WMS with carrier APIs, establish local courier partnerships for same‑day/next‑day delivery windows, and define clear reverse logistics flows with inspection and restocking SLAs. Consider hub‑and‑spoke routing, localized safety stock, and customer notification systems to preserve service levels.