Common Mistakes to Avoid During GeM Registration: A Comprehensive Guide

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has truly transformed the way the Indian government procures items. It offers a transparent and user-friendly platform for vendors and service providers. Whether you’re a startup, a small enterprise or a large corporation, registering on GeM enables you to reach a range of buyers from small government units, to major departments.

Registering demands vigilance; numerous enterprises falter because of slip-ups. Such errors might postpone authorization. Cause account deactivation. This guide highlights pitfalls to steer clear of during GeM registration and offers tips to prevent them simplifying the procedure.

1. Using Incorrect or Incomplete Business Information

One of the best and and most common mistakes during Providing wrong basic information in GeM registration, such as:

• Legal business name
• PAN details
• GST information
• Registered office address
• Date of incorporation
• Bank account details

Verification failures can be caused by slight discrepancies, between the data you provide and the official records.

Reasons Behind This Occurrence

Numerous companies depend on records, variable spellings or obsolete addresses. Because the GeM portal automatically verifies details via government databases any inconsistencies result in denial.

How to Avoid This

• Keep your PAN, GST, and UDYAM certificate handy before starting.
• Use the same spelling and format across all documents.
• Double-check your legal business name exactly as mentioned in official records.
• Verify that your bank information corresponds with your GST or income tax documents.

2. Using a Personal Email Instead of a Business Email

Your email ID is essential—it serves as your login username. Facilitates communication, with government purchasers.

Numerous vendors err by registering with Gmail or Yahoo accounts.

Why This Is a Problem

• It causes buyers to have trust concerns.
• Professional emails establish trustworthiness throughout the bidding process.
• Using emails might appear unprofessional and could lead to misunderstandings, in subsequent communications.

Best Practice

Always use an email like:

info@legalxcode.com

If you haven’t got one already, many domain providers supply email services, for a low fee.

3. Uploading Blurry, Mismatched, or Improper Documents

Validating documents is the foundation of GeM registration. One of the causes for registration rejections is uploading incorrect files.

• Common Document Mistakes
• Submitting scanned copies that're blurry or partially cut off
• Submitting expired licenses
• Uploading documents not in PDF format
• Providing documents (, for example GST address not matching the UDYAM address)

How to Avoid This

• Scan documents at 300 DPI resolution for clarity.
• Make sure the PDF filename is descriptive, for example "GST_Certificate_ABC_Ltd.pdf”.
• Ensure that every document reflects business information.
• Ensure your UDYAM GST, PAN and bank statement remain current.

4. Not Adding All Relevant Business Categories

Numerous sellers hurriedly complete registration and neglect to include categories related to their products.

Why This Is a Missed Opportunity

GeM purchasers locate products/services by navigating through category mapping. If you fail to include all categories:

• Your items will not show up in the search outcomes.
• You miss out on orders.
• You show up as a vendor, in the system.

Pro Tip

Devote time to investigating categories. If you market printers you might likewise offer:

• Printer cartridges
• Scanner machines
• AMC services
• Computer accessories

Adding categories strategically increases your visibility and order probability.

5. Ignoring Brand Approval Requirements

If you produce or retail branded items your brand needs to be authorized by GeM. Numerous new vendors list products, without realizing this prerequisite.

What Fails

• Vendors submit products under brands that have not been approved.
• Product listings keep getting declined.
• The brand is marked for breaching regulations.

How to Avoid This

Before listing products:

• Submit an application for brand authorization (if you are a manufacturer).
• Provide authorization letters (if acting as a reseller).
• Ensure that your trademark registration remains current.
• Obtaining brand approval can be a process so begin promptly.
• 6. Misunderstanding OEM vs. Reseller Roles

When signing up sellers are required to select:

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
• Reseller
• Service Provider
• Trader / Distributor
• The Common Mistake

Numerous sellers opt for OEM despite not being producers themselves. This results in verification issues and possible account suspension.

• How to Avoid This
• Opt for OEM exclusively if you genuinely produce the item. For everyone :
• Select Reseller if you deal in branded products.
• Choose Service Provider for service-based businesses.
• Select Trader if you provide products without producing them.
• Accurate classification guarantees approvals and prevents fines.

7. Incorrect Bank Account Entry

Bank verification is required for GeM registration. Errors in this part can entirely stop your registration procedure.

• Typical Errors
• Wrong IFSC code
• Incorrect account number
• Mismatch between bank account name and business name
• Using a personal bank account for a company or LLP

Solution :

• Use only a business bank account.
• Verify details with a recent bank statement.
• In case your bank has merged recently make sure to use the IFSC code.
• The bank information you provide needs to correspond with your business registration papers.

8. Weak or Incomplete Product Listings

Following registration numerous sellers put in effort—posting product listings that lack sufficient detail. This significantly lowers your likelihood of receiving orders.

• Common Listing Mistakes
• No images or poor-quality images
• Too little or irrelevant description
• Missing technical specifications
• Incorrect pricing
• Selecting the wrong product category

Why This Matters

Purchasers evaluate listings prior, to making a purchase. Poor listings result in:

• Purchase rejection
• Lower ranking in GeM search results
• Reduced credibility
• How to Improve Your Listings
• Upload high-resolution product images.
• Write clear, technical, accurate descriptions.
• Mention specifications such as size, weight, model, and warranty.
• Add competitive pricing aligned with market rates.
• Effective listings establish credibility. Boost sales.

9. Ignoring Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Terms

Numerous vendors overlook reviewing the SLAs throughout the onboarding phase.

• Why This Turns Into an Issue
• Not knowing the rules can cost you:
• Penalties for late delivery
• Suspension due to non-compliance
• Poor ratings affecting future orders
• GeM is a government marketplace—compliance is non-negotiable.

Actions to Take

• Read delivery timelines carefully.
• Understand return, refund, and replacement policies.
• Make certain that orders are completed punctually.
• This avoids legal issues down the line.

10. Not Completing Seller Training (Optional but Important)

While optional, GeM’s instructional videos and manuals, for sellers assist you in comprehending:

• How to manage orders
• How to participate in bids
• How to upload catalogs
• How to communicate with buyers

Frequently avoiding training results in mistakes when bidding and generating catalogs.

Reasons to Participate in Training Sessions

Informed sellers grasp the system more thoroughly and commit fewer errors. This boosts your likelihood of securing contracts.

11. Not Keeping the Profile Complete or Updated

Numerous sellers sign up. Then neglect to update their profiles. Profiles that are not fully completed lead to reduced visibility.

• Examples of Neglected Areas
• Missing company logo
• No business description
• Outdated address or phone number
• Lack of compliance documents
• Why This Impacts Sales

Purchasers evaluate vendors prior, to granting contracts. A filled profile appears unprofessional and might undermine confidence.

Tip

Update your profile every few months to stay compliant and credible.

12. Not Verifying Aadhaar or Mobile Number Properly

GeM mandates OTP validation, via Aadhaar. Sellers frequently input numbers unassociated with Aadhaar leading to errors.

How to Fix This

• Make sure your mobile number is connected to your Aadhaar.
• Keep your phone nearby during OTP verification.

13. Rushing Through the Registration Process

• Unexpectedly a major error is often failing to allocate the time.
• Registering on GeM isn’t extremely difficult. It involves many specifics. Hurrying through the process results, in parts, unfinished paperwork and inconsistent information.

Best Strategy

• Set aside at least 1–2 hours of uninterrupted time to complete the process carefully.

Conclusion: Registering on GeM is Easy—If Done Carefully

GeM serves as a platform for companies aiming to provide goods and services to government agencies. Nevertheless its registration procedure demands precision and carefulness. Steering clear of the errors mentioned above will help you guarantee:

• Faster approval
• Fewer verification issues
• Higher visibility
• Better chances of winning orders

Remember, GeM is not just a registration portal—it is a long-term opportunity for growth. A well-prepared, compliant seller gets better traction and trust on the platform.