Prioritise throughput capacity, SLA transparency, WMS functionality and API/EDI integration, fulfillment accuracy, returns processing, and ability to scale labour and footprint seasonally. Also evaluate carrier neutrality, lead times to primary markets, and total landed cost modelling to align service levels with commercial targets.

Location reduces road transit to Glasgow and improves access to west-coast ports, enabling efficient southbound and shortsea routings. Regional 3PLs typically offer multi-carrier access and consolidation services that lower last-mile costs and provide flexible options for cross-border movements.

South Ayrshire often delivers lower land and labour costs and modern warehouse space versus urban cores, but you may trade slightly longer last‑mile road miles for savings in occupancy and handling. Use cost-to-serve models to compare inventory carrying, transport, and service-level impacts.

Require real-time inventory visibility, event-level shipment tracking, standard APIs/EDI, out-of-the-box reporting, and KPI dashboards for fill rate, pick accuracy, dock-to-ship time and return cycle time. Establish SLAs with financial remedies and regular performance reviews to protect service continuity.