Key KPIs: order accuracy, on-time shipping %, dock-to-stock cycle time, inventory accuracy, and cost per order. Also review SLA remedies, peak staffing plans, WMS functionality, and real-time reporting to verify the provider can meet service expectations.

Request WMS demos, API documentation, and sample EDI/API transactions. Validate ability to scale labor and storage during peaks, ask for reference integrations with similar merchants, and test reporting cadence and exception workflows before signing.

Model occupancy (rent + utilities), labor, inbound/outbound freight lanes, cross-dock fees, and carrier access. Factor in reduced transit times to Southeast metros, lower real estate rates versus coastal hubs, and access to regional carriers that can lower last‑mile costs.

Review business continuity plans, insurance limits, facility security, and third‑party audit reports. Verify backup carrier partners, capacity commitments for peak season, and contractual SLA penalties. Consider an exploratory pilot to validate day‑to‑day operations before full migration.