In this digital age, taking your small business online is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. However, for many small business owners, the process of starting an online store can be daunting and overwhelming. If you are feeling unsure about how to make the transition to selling your products online, let us be your guiding light. One of the best ways to start selling your products online is through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).  GeM is a 100 percent Government-owned and National Public Procurement Portal, making it a safe and trusted platform for small businesses to kickstart their  online presence. With the support and backing of the government, you can rest assured that your online business will be in good hands.

Government departments can place direct orders on the Government eMarketplace (GeM), just like on e-commerce platforms like Flipkart  Amazon. Any order below ₹25000 can be placed directly through the GeM portal.

So, if you are ready to take the leap and bring your products to a wider audience, consider starting your online journey with GeM. Let us help you take the first step towards online success.

Explaining the process of direct purchase orders on GeM portal

The Government of India has launched the Government eMarketplace or GeM portal as an online platform to facilitate the easy procurement of goods from Indian businesses. GeM serves as a connection between buyers and sellers, enabling buyers to make purchases from registered sellers. Many buyers opt for direct purchase orders on GeM, similar to customers buying products from an e-commerce platform like Flipkart. After GeM Registration, the seller receives a notification of the purchase order and can choose to accept or reject it after verifying the relevance of the consignment.

Understanding Direct Purchase Orders on GeM

The seller then processes the order and delivers the product/service within the specified time frame.

Direct purchase orders on GeM are suitable for quick and hassle-free procurement of products/services of lower value. It simplifies the buying process and enables buyers to directly purchase from an available pool of sellers on the GeM platform. Understanding Direct Purchase Orders on GeM is an important aspect for buyers looking to procure products or services worth up to ₹25000. This feature allows buyers to make purchases directly from any of the available sellers on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform, without the need for a formal tendering process. Direct purchase orders are ideal for buyers who require goods or services that meet specific quality, specifications, and delivery period requirements. By using this method, buyers can access a wide range of products and services from verified sellers, making the procurement process more efficient and convenient. It is important for buyers to understand the guidelines and procedures for direct purchase orders on GeM, as well as the responsibilities and obligations that come with it. With proper understanding, buyers can make informed decisions and effectively utilize the direct purchase feature to meet their procurement needs.

How to get orders on the GeM portal?

To increase your chances of getting orders, use methods like online tender submission. This allows fair competition by letting sellers submit their prices and terms electronically. It's transparent and encourages sellers to offer good rates. Another way is direct purchase, where buyers can directly buy products or services up to ₹25,000 from any GeM seller meeting quality requirements. These methods help sellers like you expand business opportunities on GeM.

Where do the purchase order notifications appear on GeM?

If you're a GeM seller with your products or services listed on the platform, keep an eye out for potential purchase orders from government entities. These order notifications will pop up in your GeM account. To locate them, simply navigate to the "Orders" tab on the homepage.

Upon clicking the"Orders" tab, you'll be directed to a page displaying the purchase orders  your company has received. Here, you have the flexibility to either accept or reject these orders, considering whether they align with your company's offerings. Once you've accepted an order, dive into the details by clicking on "View Details."

Within the "View Details" section, you'll be prompted to provide information related to the consignment, including any applicable taxes. This is also the stage where you can generate an invoice for the consignee, streamlining the process of fulfilling the order. Stay proactive in managing your orders on GeM to optimize your engagement with government procurement opportunities.

Key Considerations for Direct Purchase Orders on GeM

Direct Purchase Limits on GeM:

• Orders below ₹25,000 can be directly placed on GeM.
• For orders between ₹25,000 and ₹500,000, a comparative sheet is prepared with three different OEMs.
• Orders exceeding ₹500,000 require online bidding or Reverse Auction (RA).

Ensure Relevance for Direct Purchase Orders:

• During GeM registration, accurately select the right category and sub-category for your products.
• Check listed products and sub-categories on the homepage to confirm proper categorization.

Creating a New Category:

• If your product doesn't fit existing categories, request GeM to create a new one.
• Go to Homepage > Catalogue > Products/Services > Add a new offering.
• Use the option "Can't find a suitable category?" to submit a request for a new category or suggest changes.

Take Experts' Help

Getting orders on GeM is undoubtedly the best opportunity for any small business, but the process behind that is no child's play. Online bidding requires a lot of technical knowledge. It's better to play safe.

To navigate this, consider leveraging professional bid consulting services like National Tenders. They specialize in eTendering and bidding management, guiding you from GeM registration to final bidding. Their experts ensure your submissions meet requirements, increasing your chances of success in the competitive tender environment. Rely on National Tenders to enhance your bid strategy and seize opportunities effectively.