An enquiry can start research, but it is not a decision. Compare candidates on the same indicators.
Build a comparable data set
Use an official export series matching product and country; note year and currency.
Ask carriers for duration and cost using the same delivery and load assumptions.
Record destination climate for a selected period; do not present it as product temperature.
Confirm return location, owner and frequency with the buyer.
Put sources on the same basis
| Indicator | Align scope |
|---|---|
| Trade | Product, country, period |
| Freight | Load and delivery terms |
| Climate | Season and area |
| Returns | Process and frequency |
Do not mix periods. Leave missing measures blank and note their effect on the decision.
Connect returns to cost
Divide round-trip equipment and handling cost by expected usable returns. Model loss and damage separately; do not assume a rate.
If a closed loop is not feasible, compare alternatives on the same cost basis.
Trial a small shipment; record duration, readings, unloading and return, then update the score.
Turnover alone is insufficient; freight, loss and labour affect the result.
Separate measured, quoted and estimated values.
Add a source, access date and scope note to each indicator.
