Prioritize measurable capabilities: WMS accuracy and integration, average pick-and-pack times, warehouse density and racking flexibility, bonded/customs services, and clearly defined SLAs with penalties. Also assess carrier connectivity, seasonal scalability, value-added services (kitting, returns), and transparent reporting for cost-to-serve modelling.

Key cost drivers include storage per pallet/day, pick-and-pack labor per order, inbound receiving and putaway charges, outbound freight contracts, customs/bonded fees, and value-added service charges. Model by SKU velocity, average order lines, and peak season surcharges to estimate true cost-to-serve across channels and nodes.

Bonded warehousing and direct port access reduce clearance delays and allow deferred duty/payment strategies, improving cash flow and shortening lead times to regional markets. Use port-proximate facilities for import consolidation, and consider safety-stock and cross-dock options to balance inventory carrying costs against service-level targets.

Require real-time WMS APIs for inventory, order, and ASN updates; standard EDI or REST endpoints for carrier booking and tracking; dashboard reporting for picks per hour, inventory accuracy, and SLA compliance; and scheduled exports for financial reconciliation. Confirm change-management support for peak scaling and seasonal promotions.