Product Bids on GeM Portal: 5 Tips to Master the Process

The GeM portal is a revolutionary step towards making public procurement transparent, digital, and competitive. It is a golden chance for sellers, but simply registering on the portal will not bring you results. Winning product bids on GeM amidst so many sellers and tenders is no easy task. It requires a deep understanding of the GeM ecosystem along with product knowledge.

If you want to be successful in product bids on GeM, then you not only need the right understanding of the rules but also the right strategy. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 5 tips that can make you a master of the product bids on GeM.

What are Product Bids on GeM?

When a government organization posts a procurement requirement on GeM, it is called a GeM tender. In response to this requirement, the sellers submit their quotations. This is the start of the process of product bids on GeM. In the bidding, sellers:
  ● Quote their prices
  ● Confirm delivery time and specification
  ● Upload compliance documents

TIP 1: Identify the Right Product at the Right Time

Thousands of GeM tenders get active on the GeM portal every day. It is important that you only bid on the tenders that match your product catalog. To do this:
  ● Login to the GeM portal daily
  ● Apply filters like category, state, department, and search
  ● Read the RFQ and bid documents carefully
 
A smart move: Use platforms like BidAssist, which gives you alerts on new product bids on GeM.

TIP 2: Set the Price Quote Wisely

Some sellers are only in quest of quoting the lowest price, but its not necessary that the buyer will always look for the lowest bidder. In the GeM BoQ, you can submit the item rate, GST, delivery charges, etc., with a detailed breakup. Note that your pricing is:
    ● Competitive
    ● Ensure a profit margin
    ● Delivery feasible

Bonus tip: Give a justification for your quotation, like brand, warranty, or logistics cost. Doing this will make you stand out from the crowd.

TIP 3: Avoid Making Mistakes in the Documentation

Every product bid in GeM requires compliance documents. Even a single mistake or omission in these can lead to bid rejection. Important documents include:
  ● OEM Authorization (If applicable)
  ● Product catalogue or brochure
  ● GST & PAN details
  ● Undertaking letter (standard formats)
  ● Compliance certificate (BIS/ISO etc.)

TIP 4: Clearly Define Delivery Terms

Sometimes, sellers give good pricing but due to vague delivery commitments, the bid gets rejected. In product bids on GeM, buyers want trust, delivery on time with the required specifications. That is why it is important to convey in the bid:
  ● Delivery within how many days
  ● Which courier or logistics service will be used
  ● Who will do the installations

If you can deliver in a remote or difficult location, then it can turn out in your favour.

Also Read: Top 10 Tips to Improve Your Tender Proposal and Win More Bids

TIP 5: Answer Buyer Queries on Time

On the GeM portal, buyers have an option to raise a query. If you delay the response, or give a vague answer. It can lead to an unfavourable decision against you. Pro tips:
    ● Respond to queries within 24 hours
    ● Reply clearly with YES/NO
    ● Mention reference clauses

TIP 5: Answer Buyer Queries on Time

1. Use Auto Bidding Tool: The GeM portal has a feature for sellers to set a predefined range. This allows you to make last minute bidding adjustments.

2. Understand L1 criteria: Every GeM tender has L1 (Lowest 1) selection criteria that are defined. You should bid accordingly.

3. Improve your seller score: Positive seller ratings, past performance, and timely delivery make your bid winning.

Final Thoughts

Bidding on the GeM portal is an evolving skill. Experience and strategy are both necessary for continued success. If your product and pricing are great, but if you lack in specification, documentation, or query handling, then it could be difficult for you to win. That is why before submitting product bids on GeM, ensure:
  ● You understand the buyer’s need
  ● Highlight your strengths
  ● Every document is accurate and updated
  ● Decode RA, BOQ and technical specifications

And the most important point is don’t take bidding as a mechanical task. This is a sales pitch in which you are selling your product to the government. Smart sellers are those who see bidding not just as compliance, but as a means of communication.

Pro Hack: If you want to track every new GeM tender or category-specific opportunity on time, reliable tools like BidAssist will help you stay ahead.

Every bid is an opportunity and every opportunity requires a tailored strategy. If you learn something new from every bidding process and apply it to your next bid, then winning on GeM is only a matter of time. Focus, patience, and data are the true keys to success.

FAQs: Related to Product Bids on GeM

Q1: Are all tenders open for bidding?
A: No, some tenders are open for only shortlisted vendors, which are sent to them through RA (Reverse auction)

Q2: Is it possible to place multiple bids on the same product?
A: Yes, as long as the bid is open, you can revise and resubmit your quotation.

Q3: Can only the central government procure from the GeM portal?
A: No, state governments, PSU’s and semi governmental bodies also actively use GeM.

Q4: Is it necessary for a brand to be approved in GeM?
A: If you are bidding in a specific category where brand approval is mandatory, then yes. Get your brand listed and category mapped on GeM beforehand.

Q5: Do MSME sellers get any advantage in bidding on the GeM portal?
A: Yes, in many GeM tenders, MSMEs quoting up to 15% higher than L1 are given purchase preference,  provided they meet the technical qualifications.

Q6: Is any seller eligible to place bids on the GeM portal?
A: No, only sellers that are active on GeM have a verified and category mapped seller account. Brand approval and technical documentation are also required.