Evaluate WMS compatibility and real-time reporting, defined SLAs and KPIs, transit-time modelling to your customer zones, facility types (ambient, racked, cold storage), peak labour scalability, returns handling, and transparent billing. Request operational scorecards and a short pilot to validate throughput and accuracy before committing.

Positioning inventory in Oudtshoorn improves access to Garden Route and Eastern Cape corridors via major highways, potentially lowering last-mile costs across regional lanes. There can be trade-offs to Cape Town-dedicated lanes versus coastal hubs; use carrier lane analysis and cost-to-serve modelling to compare transit time savings against transport rates and inventory carrying costs.

Verify temperature-mapped storage and loading areas, calibrated monitoring and alarm systems, backup power reliability, segregated staging for different temperature profiles, HACCP or equivalent certifications, traceability systems, and documented loading/unloading protocols to prevent cold-chain breaches.

SMBs can scale with local 3PLs; expect common models such as per-pallet or per-cubic-metre storage, pick-and-pack per-order or per-line item fees, inbound handling charges, monthly minimums, and setup fees. Negotiate volume discounts, SLA credits, and transparent billing detail to avoid hidden costs and align incentives on accuracy and speed.