Evaluate site access (highways, rail), facility type (bulk, piece-pick, cross-dock), labour availability, utility/redundancy, and service scope (returns, kitting, value-added services). Consider technology compatibility (WMS/API), SLA metrics, and cost models. Good KPIs to request: dock-to-stock time, pick accuracy, order cycle, and on-time shipment rate.

A Rustenburg-based 3PL typically reduces overland transit to the North West and parts of Gauteng while offering cost advantages vs. metro warehouses. Expect faster north–west reach and potential savings on land and labour; however, final-mile times to Cape Town and Durban remain dependent on total lane distance and carrier schedules.

Key cost drivers: storage rates (per pallet/day or m2), inbound/outbound handling fees, pick-and-pack fees, minimum monthly fees, and surcharges (fuel, peak season). Also assess labour productivity assumptions, inventory turnover discounts and billing transparency to avoid hidden variable charges.

Require a modern WMS with API connectivity, real-time inventory visibility, EDI or webhooks for order flow, and OMS/marketplace integrations. Ask for SLA on data latency, support for batch and single-order processing, barcode/RFID support, and options for EDI/CSV onboarding and reporting.