Evaluate fulfillment SLAs (order cycle time, same/next-day coverage), inventory accuracy, pick/pack productivity, returns handling, carrier integrations, and IT/APIs for real-time visibility. Compare true cost-to-serve (storage, handling, outbound freight) and scalability for peak seasons when short lead times to regional urban centers matter.

Occupancy and land costs in the Scottish Borders are generally lower than central belt markets, offering better unit economics for space-intensive operations. Labor pools are smaller but experienced in light industrial and fulfillment work; plan for recruitment seasonality and assess local staffing models when forecasting cost and throughput.

Confirm direct access to trunk roads, established parcel networks, pallet carriers and LTL consolidators, as well as cross-dock capability and daily collections. Check proximity to regional ports and rail interchanges for import/export flows and evaluate carrier SLA performance for target delivery windows.

Key capabilities include dedicated returns lanes, light refurbishment, configurable pick/pack zones, kitting and value-add services, robust WMS with omnichannel order routing and integrations, plus scalable labor and seasonal surge plans to maintain SLA compliance.