Prioritize measurable KPIs and SLA clauses: order accuracy, pick-and-pack cycle time, dock-to-delivery lead time, inventory accuracy, and claims resolution. Also verify chargeback rules, minimums, and scale-up fees so total landed cost projections reflect actual throughput and seasonality.

Proximity reduces road miles and enables rail or consolidated LTL options, lowering freight spend and improving delivery windows. Evaluate carriers for scheduled lanes to Austria/Hungary, pooled distribution services, and backhaul opportunities to reduce empty-mile costs.

Require segregated returns processing, reverse-logistics workflows, barcode-level inventory control, configured racking and mezzanine options, and documented handling procedures for kitting, rework, and refurbishment to preserve margin and speed repack cycles.

Key cost drivers include storage density (€/pallet), labor charging models (per pick vs hourly), inbound/outbound handling fees, minimum monthly throughput commitments, and IT integration costs. Negotiate transparent rate cards, volume breakpoints, and short-term expansion options to control variable costs during growth.