Prioritize real-time WMS access and API/EDI connectivity, order accuracy rates, SLA definitions for pick/pack and shipping, inventory visibility, and returns processing. Also evaluate throughput limits, slotting strategy, labor seasonality, and capability for value-added services such as kitting, bundling, and batch serialization.

Positioning inventory regionally often reduces landed cost and can lower transit times to nearby population centers while offering direct access to regional parcel routes and line-haul networks. Expect trade-offs: slightly longer transit to distant coastal metros but lower per-shipment ground costs and improved last-mile density within the region.

Look for ample dock doors and staging areas, high-bay racking, forklift and MHE capacity, cross-dock capabilities, segregation for inbound/outbound flows, security and compliance systems, and optional rail siding or expedited local carrier access. Temperature control and dedicated prep areas are valuable for mixed-SKU operations.

Model storage (per-pallet or per-cubic-foot), pick/pack and receiving fees, minimums, onboarding and IT integration costs, accessorials (kitting, returns, oversized), and SLA-linked penalties. Run volume sensitivity and landed-cost scenarios to compare true total cost across providers and contract term lengths.