Evaluate throughput (orders/hour), pick/pack accuracy, dwell time, storage density (CU/RSF), inbound/outbound cut-off times, and invoice transparency. Also review WMS/API readiness, minimum billing thresholds, handling fees for value-added services, and seasonality provisions to estimate true landed cost and SLA risk.

Proximity to feeder ports and reliable ferry links shortens transit lanes and consolidation cycles, reducing demurrage and freights costs. Local 3PLs that offer coordinated cut-offs and pooled freight can lower per-unit landed cost and improve delivery predictability for island and coastal endpoints.

Prioritize facilities with flexible racking, bonded and temperature-controlled zones, returns processing, kitting and light assembly, barcoding/labeling, and cross-dock lanes. WMS features for multi-channel order routing and real-time inventory visibility are essential to maintain service levels across sales channels.

Consider a hub-and-spoke model where La Digue functions as a regional staging hub to reduce safety stock across nodes. Use demand segmentation to place fast movers closer to the last mile, and apply multi-echelon optimization to balance carrying cost versus service level. Regularly review velocity to reallocate SKUs.

Conduct a site audit, request WMS demos and API test credentials, review SLA templates and liability clauses, check references for seasonal performance, and run a pilot or benchmarking shipment. Key KPIs to verify include turnaround time, accuracy, onboarding timeline, and dispute resolution procedures.