Introduction
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a golden opportunity for Indian businesses to sell their products and services directly to government departments, PSUs, and other public sector bodies. But while the benefits are clear, many businesses struggle to make the most of GeM simply because they make small but costly errors during the registration process.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes to avoid when registering on the GeM portal, so you can start off strong and avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.
1. Using Incorrect or Incomplete Business Information
One of the most frequent mistakes is inaccurate or mismatched business details, such as:
- A different name on PAN and GST documents
- Outdated address or contact information
- Spelling variations across documents
🔍 Tip: Double-check that your business name, address, and contact details are consistent across all documents: PAN, GST, Udyam (MSME), bank statements, etc.
This helps prevent verification failures and ensures smoother profile approval.
2. Uploading Low-Quality or Unreadable Documents
GeM’s backend system verifies each uploaded document, and blurry or partially scanned files can lead to instant rejections.
Common errors include:
- Cropped documents
- Unclear bank proof
- Files over the size limit
- Wrong file format
✅ Pro Tip: Use high-resolution scans and name each file clearly (e.g.,
GST_Certificate.pdf,Bank_Cancelled_Cheque.jpg).
If you’re unsure, consult experts like RK Services Solutions to help you prepare and upload the right files in the correct format.
3. Choosing the Wrong Business Type During Registration
On GeM, you’ll need to specify your organization type:
- Proprietorship
- Partnership
- Private Limited
- LLP
- Others
Many users mistakenly choose the wrong type, which causes issues when documents don’t match the category selected.
🧩 Example: If your business is a registered partnership, but you select “Proprietorship,” the system may reject your application due to inconsistent proof of ownership.
4. Missing Mandatory Details Like PAN, GST, or Udyam Certificate
Some sellers try to rush through registration without uploading all the required credentials, especially:
- PAN (Permanent Account Number)
- GST registration (mandatory in most cases)
- Udyam Registration for MSMEs
⚠️ Note: If you’re exempt from GST or Udyam, you must upload a justification or exemption certificate. Otherwise, the system won’t proceed.
5. Using Personal Email IDs or Phone Numbers
Another common mistake is using personal email or mobile numbers instead of official business contacts. This creates confusion later when trying to:
- Verify your account
- Receive bid notifications
- Coordinate with government buyers
💡 Always use your official company email ID and a business phone number. It looks more professional and keeps things organized.
6. Registering Without a Bank Account in the Business’s Name
GeM requires a valid bank account that matches the business name. Using a personal savings account can cause:
- Payment rejections
- Profile suspension
- Delays in bid participation
If you don’t have a business account yet, open one before registering.
💰 Pro Tip: Make sure to upload a cancelled cheque or bank certificate with clear account details and IFSC code.
7. Failing to Complete the Profile 100%
Even after your initial registration is accepted, GeM gives you a Seller Score based on profile completeness. Many sellers stop at 70–80%, which:
- Reduces your visibility on the platform
- Prevents access to certain tenders
- Affects buyer trust
To avoid this, ensure your profile includes:
- Logo and company description
- Full contact info
- Product/service catalog
- Compliance certificates (if applicable)
⭐ The closer you are to 100%, the higher your visibility and chances of getting orders.
8. Not Verifying Email and Mobile OTP
This might seem basic, but many sellers get stuck simply because they skip or delay OTP verification for email or phone.
Without this step, your account won’t be activated.
Make sure you:
- Use a valid email ID and number you can access instantly
- Complete OTP verification before logging out
9. Skipping Product Listing After Registration
A lot of sellers assume that once they’re registered, the orders will start rolling in. But unless you list your products or services, your business won’t show up in search results or be eligible to bid.
📦 You must add SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) with:
- Product titles and categories
- Specifications
- Pricing
- Images and brochures (where applicable)
10. Not Seeking Help When Needed
Many businesses try to handle everything themselves, and while that’s admirable, the GeM portal can be technical and complex for first-timers.
Instead of risking errors that can delay your entry, you can outsource GeM registration to professionals like RK Services Solutions. We ensure:
- Accurate document upload
- Category mapping
- Listing optimization
- Smooth approval
Bonus: Mistakes to Avoid Post-Registration
Even after successful registration, many sellers unknowingly make errors that hurt their success:
- Not bidding regularly: You miss out on potential contracts.
- Not responding to buyer queries: It affects your ratings.
- Overpricing products: Leads to rejection during comparison.
FAQs
Q1: How long does GeM registration take?
Typically 3–7 working days if all documents are correct and verified.
Q2: Can I edit my profile later?
Yes, but certain changes like organization type may require re-approval.
Q3: What happens if my registration is rejected?
You can reapply after correcting the identified errors or missing information.
Conclusion
Registering on the GeM portal is your first step into the world of government procurement. But like any digital platform, precision matters. By avoiding the common mistakes outlined above, you set yourself up for a smoother journey, faster approval, and better chances of winning bids.
If you’d rather skip the trial-and-error, RK Services Solutions is here to help you register, list, and succeed on GeM—without the stress.