Prioritize WMS integration and real‑time inventory visibility, SLA‑driven KPIs (OTD, order accuracy, CTB), carrier-agnostic routing, and scalability for peak volumes. Also validate onboarding timelines, EDI/API capabilities, security, and reference sites to confirm operational fit.

Compare cost-to-serve by modeling SKU velocity, pick density, storage days, inbound cross-dock vs. long‑term storage, and average parcels per order. Include transportation lanes, last‑mile surcharges, returns handling, and any WMS/custom integration fees in the total landed cost.

Confirm variable capacity options (seasonal labor, temporary racking), agreed surge SLAs, forecasting cadence, and contingency plans for carrier capacity constraints. Ensure contractual flexibility on space and throughput rates and require visibility tools for real‑time decisioning during peaks.