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The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) hit a remarkable milestone – processing orders worth ₹2 lakh crore in 2022-23. This represents a 100% growth from the previous year!
Many sellers miss out on this amazing chance because they find the product listing process complex. Your GeM portal product list needs to be spot-on – from document preparation to meeting quality standards.
The right product listing can determine your visibility and success on the platform. This applies whether you’re new to selling or expanding your existing catalog on GeM portal. Here’s some good news – it’s simpler than most people think.
This detailed guide walks you through each step of listing products on GeM portal. We cover everything from simple registration to strategies that make your products shine. Ready to dive in?
Understanding GeM Portal Prerequisites
Let’s make sure you have everything you need to register and list products on the GeM portal successfully. A clear understanding of these requirements will help you avoid delays in the registration process.
Technical Requirements and Specifications
The product listing process has specific technical requirements for images and information:
- Image size should not exceed 30KB
- JPG and PNG are the only accepted formats
- Products need a plain white background
- Three different angle shots are required per product
- The images must be free of watermarks, brand logos, or text overlays
Step-by-Step Product Registration Process
Let’s head over to the practical steps of registering your products on the GeM portal. These instructions will help you ensure a smooth registration process and minimize rejection chances.
Creating Your Seller Account
A proper account creation forms the foundation of successful product listing. The company director or a core team member/proprietor must complete your registration. Here’s the process:
- Visit gem.gov.in and click on ‘Sign Up’
- Select ‘Seller/Service Provider’ option
- Verify using Aadhaar-registered mobile number
- Complete PAN validation
- Select your role (Seller, Service Provider, or Both)
- Submit company details and office locations
- Add active bank account information
Navigating the Product Upload Interface
Your account setup opens the door to product uploads. The product listing process starts here:
Go to Catalog > Products > Add New from your dashboard. You’ll need to enter general information, catalog details, and product specifications in a well-laid-out process. The Turn Around Time (TAT) for product approval takes 96 hours for all products.
Selecting the Right Product Category
The right product category selection is vital for successful listing. Here’s what you should know:
- Search Functionality: The search bar helps you find relevant categories by entering your product name
- Category Verification: Your product specifications should match the selected category exactly
- Alternative Options: New category additions might take time. The buyer can initiate category creation if needed
Important: Products face rejection due to:
- Incorrect category selection
- Invalid price range submissions
- Wrong image uploads
- Force-fitting technical parameters
Quality standards require accurate BIS or Test Report Numbers where applicable. A support ticket with relevant details can help if your product faces rejection despite correct documentation.
Note that discontinued products can’t be relisted or republished on the marketplace. Your listing information should be accurate before publishing.
Mastering Product Information Upload
Creating successful product listings on GeM portal demands precision and specific guidelines. You need to create compelling product listings that attract buyers and meet GeM’s strict requirements.
Writing Compelling Product Descriptions
Your product descriptions should provide detailed information while staying clear. Every product listing needs this simple information:
- Category and sub-category selection
- Product name and model
- HSN code (6-digit classification code)
- SKU ID
- Detailed specifications
- Available quantity
Your product’s unique features and benefits need emphasis. Accurate information prevents listing rejection, as incomplete or incorrect details will not be accepted.
Setting Competitive Pricing Strategies
GeM’s specific pricing rules ensure fair competition. Your prices should be set this way:
- Set your Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
- Calculate your offered price (must be at least 10% below MRP)
- Review market rates to position competitively
- Update prices regularly to stay competitive
A product with MRP of ₹100 should have maximum offered price of ₹90 or lower on GeM. This strategy helps you comply with rules while staying competitive.
Adding Technical Specifications Correctly
Technical specifications are the foundations of your product listing. Each product category needs specific parameters:
Essential Specifications to Include:
- Width, height, and dimensions
- Weight and size specifications
- Color and material details
- Quality grade and certifications
- Application and usage details
Image Requirements: Your product images must meet these criteria:
- Maximum size: 30KB
- Formats allowed: JPG and PNG only
- Background: Plain white
- Minimum three different angles
- No packaging materials visible
- Product centered in frame
Important: Your product images should not have watermarks, brand logos, or technical diagrams. Each image needs to show a single product without additional elements.
Your product information and stock levels need regular updates. Listings expire and get removed from the marketplace after 90 days without updates. This helps buyers see current and accurate product information.
These guidelines will help you create product listings that comply with GeM requirements and showcase your products effectively to government buyers.
Product Image Guidelines and Best Practices
Your success on the GeM portal depends heavily on your product images. Let’s become skilled at meeting their technical requirements and best practices to get your product images approved.
Image Quality Requirements
The GeM portal has strict technical rules for product images that keep the platform consistent. Your images need to meet these requirements:
- Maximum file size: 30KB
- Acceptable formats: JPG and PNG only
- Background: Clean white background without any watermarks
- Product positioning: Centered in frame
- Single product per image: No group shots allowed
Important: Your product images should show only the product. Leave out packaging materials, boxes, or cartons.
Multiple Angle Photography Tips
Great product photographs need attention to detail. Here’s how to get professional-looking results:
- Set Up Your Shot
- Put your product against a plain white background
- Use proper lighting to avoid shadows
- Center your product in the frame
- Capture Required Angles
- Take at least three different shots from different angles
- Show different product features in each angle
- Keep lighting the same across all shots
- Quality Check
- Look for clear, focused images
- Make sure product details show up well
- Check for proper white background in all shots
Note that all three images must be different – your listing will be rejected if you upload similar images.
Common Image Upload Errors to Avoid
You can save time and prevent rejections by knowing what not to do. These mistakes happen most often:
- Adding watermarks, brand logos, or identification marks
- Putting product descriptions or specifications in images
- Using partial product images or diagrams
- Using Photoshop to change original images
- Showing multiple products in one frame
Pro Tip: Check all technical requirements before uploading. This means verifying file size, format, and proper product placement against a white background.
Your product brochures and MRP documentation need separate photos that show:
- Packaging with visible MRP
- Product specifications
- Model number and brand details
Your product listings will attract government buyers and pass GeM’s quality checks if you follow these guidelines carefully. Good visuals can boost your success on the platform by a lot.
Optimizing Your GeM Product Listing
Your success on the GeM portal depends on more than product listings. You need strategic optimization and regular updates to boost your chances of winning government contracts.
Search Visibility Tips
Government buyers have specific ways to search for products on the gem portal. Here’s how you can make your products easier to find:
- Pick exact keywords for product titles and descriptions
- Add relevant search terms from your industry
- List detailed technical specifications
- Select appropriate category tags
- Keep product information up to date
Pro Tip: Think about what potential buyers might type when looking for your products. Look up common search terms in your industry and naturally add them to your GeM listings.
Pricing Optimization Strategies
The right pricing strategy can make a big difference in your platform success. Here are the vital aspects:
| Strategy Component | Implementation Tips |
|---|---|
| Market Analysis | Research your competitors thoroughly |
| Cost Evaluation | Add up all expenses including logistics |
| Dynamic Pricing | Change prices based on market trends |
| Bulk Discounts | Give special rates for large-volume purchases |
The GeM platform requires a minimum discount on MRP during product listing. Your prices should be competitive while keeping your profits healthy. Government buyers compare prices from multiple vendors, so competitive pricing is vital.
Regular Update Best Practices
A strong presence on GeM needs consistent attention. Here’s what you should focus on:
Catalog Management:
- Check and refresh product details often
- Take out discontinued items quickly
- Update technical specifications
- Watch your pricing competitiveness
Profile Optimization: Your seller profile represents your business. Make sure it has:
- Full company details
- Latest contact information
- Current business certifications
- Recent achievements
Important: GeM portal needs sellers to keep accurate and fresh information. Regular updates show your active involvement with the platform and boost visibility.
These advanced optimization techniques will give you better results:
- Quality Documentation
- Keep certifications current
- Update compliance documents
- Maintain clear product specifications
- Performance Monitoring
- Check your listing’s performance
- Watch competitor pricing
- Review buyer feedback
- Technical Compliance
- Match all product specifications exactly
- Update changes in technical parameters
- Keep BIS or test report numbers accurate
GeM’s dynamic pricing feature lets you adjust prices based on market trends and demand. Use this feature wisely to:
- Track competitor pricing trends
- Change prices during peak procurement seasons
- Give special discounts for bulk purchases
- Stay ahead in your category
Critical Note: Products rejected due to wrong categorization or specifications need relisting in the right category. The platform takes 96 hours to approve products.
These optimization strategies will boost your visibility on the GeM portal and help you win more government contracts. Success on GeM comes from paying attention to details and keeping your product listings fresh.
Conclusion
Success on the GeM portal just needs attention to detail throughout your product listing experience. Your listings will stand out when you meet quality standards, maintain proper documentation, and follow image guidelines correctly.
Product listings require regular updates to remain visible and competitive on the platform. Accurate pricing, detailed specifications, and high-quality images are vital elements that attract government buyers.
The GeM portal provides massive opportunities when sellers follow its guidelines carefully. Proper documentation, quality compliance, and current listings are the foundations of a strong platform presence. These steps will boost your chances of securing valuable government contracts.
FAQs
Q1. How do I register as a seller on the GeM portal?
To register as a seller, visit gem.gov.in, click on “Sign Up,” select “Seller/Service Provider,” verify using your Aadhaar-registered mobile number, complete PAN validation, and submit your company details and bank account information.
Q2. What are the essential documents required for listing products on GeM?
Essential documents include Aadhaar Card, PAN Card (personal and business), GST Certificate, bank account details with a canceled cheque, Income Tax Returns for the last three years, and UDYAM registration number (if applicable).
Q3. What are the image requirements for product listings on GeM?
Product images must be less than 30KB in size, in JPG or PNG format, with a plain white background. You need to provide at least three different angle shots per product, without watermarks, brand logos, or text overlays.
Q4. How should I price my products on the GeM portal?
Set your Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and then calculate your offered price, which must be at least 10% below the MRP. Regularly review market rates to maintain competitiveness and update your prices accordingly.
Q5. What quality certifications are required for manufacturers on GeM?
Manufacturers registering as OEMs need ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001:2016 for Environment Management, ISO 27001:2013 for Information Security Management, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health & Safety.
