Introduction:
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has simplified procurement for government departments, PSUs, and other authorized buyers. It offers a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective platform for purchasing goods and services.
But if you are a registered buyer on GeM, the next question is: How do you place an order correctly?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to place an order on GeM and share some pro tips to avoid common mistakes.
Step 1: Log in to Your GeM Buyer Account
- Visit the GeM portal.
- Click on Sign In and select Buyer Login.
- Enter your User ID, Password, and OTP to access the dashboard.
Step 2: Search for the Product or Service
- Use the search bar to find the required product or service.
- Apply filters like Category, Brand, Price Range, Seller Location, etc.
- Always check seller ratings, reviews, and compliance with specifications before proceeding.
Step 3: Compare and Select the Best Optio
- GeM allows you to compare multiple products or service
- Look at factors like:
- Price
- Delivery timeline
- Warranty & after-sales service
- Seller performance rating
- For large value procurement, consider Reverse Auction or Bid to get the best price.
Step 4: Add to Cart and Proceed to Checkout
- Once you select a product, add it to your cart.
- Click on Proceed to Checkout.
- Verify delivery address, quantity, and payment details.
Step 5: Generate and Approve the Purchase Order (PO)
- Enter all required details and generate the PO on GeM.
- The PO needs to be approved by the designated authority in your organization.
- GeM automatically notifies the seller once the PO is approved.
Step 6: Track Your Order and Confirm Receipt
- After the seller ships the product, you can track the status from your GeM dashboard.
- On delivery, inspect the product and confirm receipt on GeM.
- This step is mandatory to initiate payment release.
Step 7: Release Payment and Provide Feedback
- Payments are processed through PFMS once you confirm receipt.
- Always rate the seller and provide feedback for quality monitoring.
Pro Tips for Smooth Order Placement on GeM
- Always check GFR compliance before placing an order.
- Use market comparison and reverse auction for cost savings.
- Write clear product specifications to avoid delivery issues.
- Confirm order receipt and release payments on time to maintain good vendor relations.
Final Thoughts
Placing an order on GeM is simple if you follow the correct steps. By using the platform wisely and ensuring compliance, buyers can save time, reduce costs, and maintain transparency in procurement.
If you found this article useful, share it with your colleagues or department members. For any queries, feel free to comment below!
FAQs – Placing Orders on GeM
Only authorized government buyers, such as officers from central/state government departments, PSUs, and autonomous bodies, can place orders on GeM. The user must be registered and approved as a Buyer or Consignee on the GeM portal.
Yes. All purchase orders must be approved by the competent authority as per your organization’s procurement rules and GeM guidelines.
- Direct Purchase: Up to ₹25,000 from any available seller meeting quality and delivery requirements.
- L1 Purchase: ₹25,000 to ₹5,00,000 – select the seller with the lowest price among at least 3 sellers.
- e-Bidding/Reverse Auction: For orders above ₹5,00,000 (or as per GFR guidelines).
Yes, buyers can cancel an order before it is shipped, but a valid reason must be provided on the portal. Repeated cancellations without reason may affect your account credibility.
Payments are processed through PFMS (Public Financial Management System) after you confirm receipt of goods/services on the GeM portal.
No. Bidding or Reverse Auction is mandatory only for high-value orders (usually above ₹5 lakh) or as per your organization’s GFR procurement rules.
Login to your GeM dashboard → My Orders → View order status. You can also download the order details and shipping updates.
If the seller fails to deliver on time, you can:
- Raise a grievance on the GeM portal
- Initiate order cancellation or penalty process as per GeM terms
If the seller fails to deliver on time, you can:
- Raise a grievance on the GeM portal
- Initiate order cancellation or penalty process as per GeM terms
Yes, GeM supports both product and service procurement. Services include manpower outsourcing, transportation, IT support, etc., through the Service Category section.