Listing products on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) can open doors to lucrative government contracts. However, many sellers make common mistakes that reduce their product visibility and sales potential. In this blog, we highlight these pitfalls and provide solutions to optimize your listings.
1. Selecting the Wrong Product Category
Mistake:
- Choosing an incorrect category results in your product being difficult to find.
- Government buyers may struggle to locate your listing, leading to lost sales.
Fix:
- Use GeM’s predefined category structure to identify the best fit.
- Check similar products from competitors to ensure correct categorization.
2. Setting Incorrect Pricing
Mistake:
- Overpricing can drive potential buyers away.
- Underpricing may affect profitability and create an unsustainable business model.
Fix:
- Research competitor prices before listing your product.
- Factor in manufacturing costs, shipping, and profit margins to set a competitive price.
- Keep an eye on market trends and adjust pricing accordingly.
3. Providing Incomplete or Incorrect Descriptions
Mistake:
- Missing product specifications can reduce buyer trust.
- Generic descriptions may not highlight the product’s unique value.
Fix:
- Include detailed specifications such as size, material, weight, and compliance standards.
- Use bullet points for easy readability.
- Ensure accuracy to prevent order cancellations or rejections.
4. Uploading Low-Quality Images
Mistake:
- Blurry or low-resolution images fail to attract buyers.
- Not showing multiple angles makes it difficult for buyers to assess the product.
Fix:
- Use high-quality, well-lit images on a plain background.
- Upload multiple images from different angles.
- Follow GeM’s image upload guidelines for approval.
5. Ignoring Stock and Availability Updates
Mistake:
- Listing out-of-stock items leads to order cancellations.
- Frequent stock shortages can affect seller credibility.
Fix:
- Regularly update inventory levels.
- Monitor demand trends and plan stock replenishments accordingly.
6. Failing to Optimize for Search Visibility
Mistake:
- Not using relevant keywords in titles and descriptions can lower search rankings.
Fix:
- Research commonly used keywords for your product category.
- Incorporate them naturally in your product title and description.
7. Overlooking Compliance Requirements
Mistake:
- Missing mandatory documents (e.g., GST, PAN, Udyam registration) can delay approval.
Fix:
- Ensure all required certifications and legal documents are uploaded and up to date.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes will help improve your product visibility, attract more government buyers, and boost sales on GeM. By following best practices in categorization, pricing, descriptions, images, and compliance, you can optimize your listings for success.
Need help with GeM listing? Check out our GeM Product Listing Guide for a step-by-step approach!
