The e-Marketplace (GeM) has developed into the most trustworthy online buying platform in India’s government, linking government buyers with accredited vendors from different industries. However, despite the availability of GeM to benefit sellers, numerous sellers are not able to gain registration on GeM and experience delays or are rejected for registration due to multiple errors.
As a result, many sellers now want the assistance of competent Government e-Marketplace consultants in Delhi to help them get registered to participate in government bidding.
The following are the most frequently occurring mistakes made by sellers when registering on GeM, and suggestions on how to avoid them.
Common Mistakes and Tips to Fix Them
1. Incorrect Information Regarding Business Entity Type
This is the most common reason for registration failure, and there are many cases where incorrect information was provided to GeM with respect to the seller’s entity type. GeM verifies the seller’s information against various government databases; these databases include the seller’s PAN registration, GST registration, and Udyam registration.
The system may identify an application as a failure to verify due to any differences (even minor) between the company name, address, and/or other details provided in different documents. For example, small spelling variations between PAN and GST registrations can create delays in approval.
How to Avoid the Mistake: Ensure all documents are consistent with respect to the same information (company name, address, and identification number) when submitting the application; double-check all entries before submitting!
2. Incomplete KYC Verification
KYC verification is an important step for registering on the GeM platform. Numerous seller’s KYC verification have failed because of the submission of unclear documents, old identification forms, or incomplete submissions of KYC material.
Typical error examples are:
- Uploading unclear or cropped images;
- Failure to sign the authorization form;
- Submitting an expired form of ID;
- Submitting incorrect contact numbers.
Not having KYC verified prevents sellers from being able to either submit products for listed items or bidding on available tenders.
How to Avoid the Mistake: Submit clear and current documents and ensure that the authorized signatory’s name is as stated when you registered.
3. Selecting the Wrong Business Category
When registering, sellers must select the correct business category from the following :
- Original equipment manufacturer (OEM);
- Trader;
- Service Provider.
By selecting the wrong business category, your eligibility for tenders may become limited or could prevent your ability to list certain products!
How to Avoid the Mistake: Manufacturers often register as traders but do not have the ability to sell under their name. By choosing the proper definition as provided by GeM, you will ensure that the vendor category selected accurately reflects your business’s activities.
4. Uploading Invalid or Outdated Documents
Uploading documents that are expired or invalid. GeM will only take valid certificates and compliance documents to verify that sellers. Some examples of documents that have no validity include:
- Expired ISO or BIS Certificate
- Old bank statements
- Incorrect proof of address
- Incomplete incorporation documentation
How to Avoid the Mistake: Every document you are uploading must be valid, properly formatted, and current.
5. Selecting the Wrong Category for Product or Service
Many sellers lose potential sales opportunities by selecting the wrong category for his/her product(s) or service(s). Buyers search for suppliers by using established categories on GeM; therefore, if products or services are not classified correctly, they are not likely to be found by buyers.
How to Avoid the Mistake: Review the product structure catalog provided by GeM and identify the category that best describes what you have for sale.
6. Missing Tax and Compliance Details
For proper GeM registration, it is necessary that your tax details are accurate. If there are incorrect GST numbers or if there is no complete PAN, or if the tax filings do not reconcile, you will be immediately rejected.
Your tax details will be verified automatically through company databases, and so any inconsistency will halt the process.
This is why businesses can benefit from engaging with GeM registration consultants in Delhi.
How to Avoid the Mistake: Ensure that your GST Registration is active and that it matches exactly to the information used to establish your business registration.
7. Not Verifying Brand Ownership
When sellers list their branded products, GeM requires every seller to verify their authorization and brand ownership. Many have uploaded improper authorization letters and/or trademark certificates.
If you claim to sell a brand without valid proof, your listings may be rejected or removed from GeM.
How to Avoid the Mistake: Provide clear and appropriate documentation, such as a trademark certificate or an official letter from the brand owner authorizing you to sell their products.
8. Incorrect Bank Details
For all payments from your government buyers, you will have to verify your bank account. If you have submitted the wrong bank details (such as an incorrect account name, incorrect IFSC code), you will not be able to receive your payment, and your payment will be delayed.
How to Avoid the Mistake: Make sure that the bank account is owned by the same entity that is registered on GeM and that all of the details correspond to your PAN and GST records.
9. Quality Certifications Are Not Included
Most government buyers prefer vendors who can provide evidence of product quality and have the ability to meet industry standards of quality and compliance. If you do not have any of the following certifications — ISO, BIS, or MSME registration — you would have a greater difficulty being on the short list for tenders for goods and services.
How to Avoid the Mistake: Upload all applicable certification documentation and verify that it is valid and current.
Summary
If you are a vendor on GeM, you will have the opportunity to sell products and/or services directly to government customers. The process of registering on the GeM is not simple and requires careful attention to detail, accurate documentation, and compliance with GeM guidelines.
Many companies choose to hire Government e-Marketplace consultants in Delhi with experience working with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to help ensure that their registrations are processed as quickly as possible.
By having your documents prepared accurately and ensuring you are following the GeM guidelines, you will have a smooth experience with the GeM registration process as you begin pursuing government procurement opportunities with confidence.
Frequently Asked Question:
1. What Is GeM Portal & The Importance Of Registering On GeM?
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an official website where businesses can directly buy from verified sellers who supply goods and services. By registering for a seller account on the GeM portal, you are eligible to provide products and services to government customers, participate in government tenders, and increase your market potential (i.e., reach) under a transparent and regulated regime.
2. What Are The Most Common Mistakes Made When Registering On GeM?
There are many common mistakes that sellers make when registering for GeM; these can include submitting incorrect KYC details, selecting the wrong item category/type, not uploading required documentation about compliance, not providing a legitimate branding authorization, or mismatched tax information. All of these issues can lead to delays in processing your application or even result in the seller account being denied, suspended, or delayed.
3. Can I Register On GeM If I Don’t Have My GST Or PAN?
Most companies registering on the GeM portal must provide their GST and PAN information. However, there may be exceptions for specific groups of participants (e.g., artisans and self-help groups, or cooperatives) based on applicable guidelines, as long as they provide other acceptable forms of documentation.
4. Why Does GeM Verification Take Time After Submission?
The GeM verification process experiences delays because it depends on the precise submission of documents and information which users have provided. The verification process will take more time to complete when any submitted information contains errors or fails to meet requirements or when the Certificates of Registration are unclear or the Authorizations are missing. Your Registration Application will process faster when you submit your information correctly and in the required format.
5. How Does Incorrect Product Categorization Impact My Listings?
Selecting the wrong category when listing your product can negatively impact the visibility that your listing receives via the GeM portal. If you listed your product in the wrong category, your product may not display in a relevant buyer’s search results and may not be able to be included within any available tenders. A correct category selection on all items you have for Sale through GeM assures that your items will be displayed to the relevant buyer segment, increasing your chances of being awarded any sale.