Focus on pick-and-pack accuracy, throughput (orders per hour), real-time inventory visibility (WMS with API/EDI), returns handling, bonded storage availability, and flexibility to scale labor and racking for seasonality. Confirm SLA metrics for order lead times and accuracy before contracting.

Kafue’s proximity to Lusaka and major highways shortens domestic transit to central markets and provides practical access to northern and southern border corridors. Select carriers with established regional lanes, verify transit time variance for peak seasons, and prioritize 3PLs with proven cross-border documentation and customs partners.

Model fixed and variable storage fees, handling and pick/pack labor rates, inbound/outbound freight differentials, customs/bonded storage charges, IT integration fees, minimums and chargebacks, and utility or fuel surcharges to establish true cost-to-serve per SKU and channel.

Negotiate clear KPIs: order accuracy, on-time fulfillment, inventory accuracy, and dock-to-stock times. Include service credits for SLA breaches, defined onboarding timelines, volume-related pricing bands, liability limits, exit and transition terms, and data access rights for inventory and shipment reporting.