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    Lesson 4 of 9 · How to use ByOrder

    Benefits of a pre-alert: 3 problems you avoid

    By Christian Jessel, CEO of ByOrder · Updated November 2, 2026 · 1 min read

    Video frame: Benefits of a pre-alert: 3 problems you avoid

    A pre-alert is a benefit for you more than an obligation. It saves you three problems: us not knowing which product was supposed to arrive, us not knowing its value, and a wrongly assigned price ending in extra costs or a hold by the DIAN.

    1. We know which product should arrive

    When you pre-alert, we know what the product is and how much it is worth. If for some reason you ship a phone and something else arrives, we have more tools to help you.

    2. We know the real value

    If you do not pre-alert, we do not know how much your product is worth, and ByOrder would have to assign it whatever price it considers appropriate.

    3. You avoid extra costs and holds

    A price that is too high makes your import more expensive. One that is too low can lead the DIAN to hold the product, since there is no invoice to back up the value.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is a pre-alert mandatory?

    It is a benefit for you more than an obligation, because it saves you problems with your product and its value.

    What happens if I do not pre-alert?

    ByOrder does not know what the product is or how much it is worth, and would have to assign it whatever price it considers appropriate.

    Why does the declared price matter?

    If it is too high, your import can end up costing more. If it is too low, the DIAN may hold it because there is no invoice to back up the price.

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    How we work

    The ByOrder principles

    1. 01

      First you learn, then you decide

      This is a place to understand how to import. When you are ready, write to us.

    2. 02

      The full cost before you buy

      We quote the complete amount so you can decide with no surprises.

    3. 03

      We tell you what we know

      If something happens to your package, we tell you what is confirmed and what the next step is.

    4. 04

      Real people in Cali

      A team with a physical office that receives, imports and delivers your purchase.