Frequently asked questions
Is GeM registration really free?
Yes. Registering as a seller on GeM is free on the official portal. We charge only for our assistance: preparing documents, completing the profile and verifications, and guiding you through the process.
Are you a government agency?
No. SoftTender is a private consultancy, a unit of Soft Trade Enterprises. We are not affiliated with GeM, CPPP, NSIC or any government department.
Can you guarantee that I will win a tender?
No one can honestly promise that. Tenders are awarded by the buyer based on eligibility, evaluation and price. Our job is to make sure your bid is complete, correct and submitted on time.
Do I have to pay EMD or tender fees to you?
Never. EMD and tender fees are always paid from your own account directly on the portal. You pay us only our service fee, against an invoice.
Will you keep my DSC?
No. Your DSC token stays with you. When a signature is needed, we connect through a remote session with your permission.
Who decides my bid price?
You do. We prepare everything else, but the financial bid is entered only after your written approval of the rate.
Do you work outside Uttar Pradesh?
Yes. We work online with businesses across India over WhatsApp, phone, email and remote sessions.
How long does GeM registration take?
Usually 2 to 7 working days if your PAN, GST, Aadhaar and bank details match. Mismatches in name or address are the most common cause of delay.
Which DSC do I need for e-tendering?
Most e-tender portals need a Class 3 DSC with both signing and encryption. We confirm the right type for the portals you plan to use.
What is EMD exemption?
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) is a security amount for a bid. Micro and small enterprises registered under Udyam or NSIC are exempt from EMD in many tenders, as per the tender's terms.
Do you also work with service providers?
Yes. Manpower, security, cleaning, transport, IT, maintenance and many other services are bought through GeM and e-tenders.
How do I pay your fee?
By bank transfer or UPI to Soft Trade Enterprises against a GST invoice. Registration work is usually paid in advance; tender filing can be split into an advance and a balance before submission.
Can you work on a tender that my competitor is also using you for?
No. We do not work for two competing bidders on the same tender.
What happens to my documents?
We use them only for your work, keep them secure and delete them on request after the work ends. See our Privacy Policy for details.