How to Buy Sanitary Napkin Vending Machines Through GeM or a Tender
Government schools, colleges, hospitals and offices often must buy through GeM or a tender. Here is what to specify, what to ask suppliers for, and what to avoid.
GeM or tender: which route?
GeM (Government e-Marketplace) is the national online portal where government departments buy goods and services. Many institutions buy through GeM directly, while others still float a tender or quotation request. The rules and value limits differ by department and state, so confirm the correct route with your procurement officer before you start.
Lyra Enterprises is a registered GeM vendor. Whichever route you use, the steps below help you get equipment that works and can be audited.
Step 1: Decide what you need
- Count the washroom blocks. One vending machine per block is a common starting point.
- Choose the access model. Free issue for welfare schemes, coin for low-cost sites, RFID for hostels, UPI for offices and hospitals.
- Plan disposal. Under the SWM Rules 2016, sanitary waste needs separate collection and safe disposal, which is what an incinerator does on site.
Step 2: Write the specification
Include these points for the vending machine:
| Capacity | Napkins held per fill (Lyra models hold 25, or 35 for the Wave) |
| Payment mode | Free issue, coin, RFID card or UPI QR, matched to your users |
| Power | 230V AC mains for the machine, and a power point near the washroom |
| Build | Epoxy-coated sheet metal or stainless steel, with a view panel to check stock |
| Reporting | Usage records for audits: offline CSV export, or cloud dashboard for IoT models |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty period (Lyra offers 1 year) and who handles service |
And for the incinerator:
| Capacity | Napkins per cycle and per day (Micro 1–5 per cycle, Mini 5–15, Maxi 25–50) |
| Control | Automatic digital temperature controller and display |
| Safety | MCB safety, thermal insulation and a smoke-control design |
| Compliance | SWM Rules 2016 and CPCB guidelines for sanitary waste |
| Power | Electrical rating (Maxi: 230V, 50 Hz, single phase, 1.25 kW) |
Step 3: Ask suppliers for documents
- GST registration and GeM seller registration
- Quality certificates such as ISO 9001:2015 (Lyra also holds ISO 14001:2015)
- Product specification sheet or booklet
- Warranty terms and after-sales contact
- References from similar institutions
Step 4: Budget correctly
Compare quotes on the same basis. Lyra prices are ex-GST, with 18% GST and freight extra. Check every quote for GST, freight, installation and warranty so the lowest bid is genuinely the lowest cost. See the full price list, and check funding schemes such as Samagra Shiksha, Swachh Bharat Mission and CSR.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing on lowest price alone, without matching capacity, build and warranty.
- Forgetting a power point and mounting space near the washroom.
- Buying vending machines with no plan for used-pad disposal.
- Skipping usage reporting, which you need to justify refills and renewals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lyra Enterprises a registered GeM seller?
Yes. Lyra Enterprises is a registered GeM vendor. Government schools, colleges, hospitals and offices can procure sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators through GeM.
What should a tender specification for a napkin vending machine include?
Capacity per fill, payment mode, power supply, cabinet material, usage reporting, warranty, installation and after-sales support. For incinerators, add napkins per cycle, daily capacity, temperature control and compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 and CPCB guidelines.
Which documents should I ask the supplier for?
GST registration, GeM seller registration, quality certificates such as ISO 9001:2015, product specification sheets, warranty terms and references from similar institutions.
Need a quotation, specification sheet or GeM listing details? Call +91-81223 78860.