• Market Research:
    • Identify reputable fulfilment centres in the UK and US, such as Amazon FBA, ShipBob, or regional providers.
    • Evaluate their geographical coverage, capabilities, and reputation.
  • Needs Assessment:
    • Determine specific requirements (e.g., storage capacity, product handling, shipping speed).
    • Consider volume forecasts, packaging needs, and potential returns management.
  • Request for Proposal (RFP):
    • Send detailed RFP outlining service expectations, such as inventory management, SLAs, and reporting tools.
    • Compare proposals based on cost, reliability, and flexibility.
  • Negotiation:
    • Discuss pricing models (per-unit, per-storage, or flat fees).
    • Negotiate service-level agreements to ensure delivery timelines, order accuracy, and return processing standards.
  • Contract Signing:
    • Formalize terms, including service scope, penalties for non-compliance, and duration.
    • Include clauses for scalability, early termination, and performance reviews.