Prioritize carrier connectivity (parcel and LTL lanes), WMS and API integration capabilities, inventory slotting and kitting capacity, SLA transparency, and available expansion space. Also validate inbound receiving throughput and returns processing to match peak season demand and maintain customer delivery targets.

A Dorset location reduces last-mile mileage to south coast customers and shortens routes to the M27/M3, lowering fuel and linehaul cost for regional deliveries. For Midlands shipments, transit times may be slightly longer versus central hubs, so evaluate network routing and LTL consolidation options to optimize cost-to-service.

Require multi-temperature storage if needed, dedicated packing and kitting zones, cross-dock and short-term staging for B2B orders, robust returns handling, and an integrated WMS that supports batch picking and omnichannel order routing to maintain SLA consistency across channels.

Key items include transparent chargeable weight and pallet definitions, tiered storage and handling rates based on SKU velocity, minimum volume commitments, SLA penalties for missed SLAs, clear inbound cutoffs, and provisions for seasonal scaling or early termination to preserve flexibility as volumes change.