Evaluate warehouse capacity and layout, refrigeration and dry storage capability, cross-dock throughput, staff availability, and WMS/OMS integrations. Critically assess seasonal transport windows (river barges, air service), contingency routing, carrier contracts, and KPIs such as OTIF, order cycle time, and inventory accuracy to validate continuity of service.

Lower rent can reduce fixed costs, but higher variable freight and last-mile rates increase per-order costs. Mitigate by consolidating shipments, zone-skipping to regional hubs, using inventory placement strategies, negotiating carrier rates, and optimizing SKU velocity to minimize expedited shipments and inventory carrying costs.

Require real-time WMS/OMS integration, accurate inventory visibility, pick-pack-ship workflows, returns processing, kitting, and temperature-controlled handling when needed. Confirm SLA terms, scalability options for peak seasons, and carrier integrations for predictable outbound and inbound logistics.

Implement dual sourcing where feasible, maintain safety stock for critical SKUs, schedule inventory builds ahead of seasonal transport windows, agree contingency routing with carriers, use enhanced visibility tools, and include clear SLAs and penalties in contracts to ensure accountability.