How to start a custom cell phone case business?

13 May.,2024

 

How To Make Phone Cases: Start Your Business Now ...

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There are 8.5 billion mobile device connections around the world, compared to our population of 7.6 billion people. That’s a lot of mobile phones!

While this sounds like the start of a sci-fi horror film, it’s actually a good sign if you want to create your phone case and accessories to sell online.

Custom cell phone cases, in particular, are easy to source and appeal to people who are looking to customize or extra functionality into the one device they can’t live without.

Building a business around making and selling your own phone cases comes with a variety of benefits:

  • It’s easy to hold inventory and ship, due to their small size.
  • They’re relatively low cost to produce.
  • You can sell them both online and in an offline kiosk.
  • You can print on demand to start with a lower risk or buy in bulk for better margins.
  • Every new phone model offers a new opportunity to cater to the 44% of smartphone owners who upgrade every two years.

As with any business where the barrier to entry is low, there’s going to be competition. However, all you need to succeed is a piece of this massive market.

The following is a guide that answers common questions about starting a phone case business, such as:

  • What types of phone cases are there?
  • Where do I get unique designs for phone cases?
  • How do I know what phone cases/designs will be popular?
  • Where can I sell my phone cases?

If making and selling phone cases sounds like a compelling online business idea but you don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. Check our how to start a business guide to get started.

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Is a phone case business profitable?

A phone case business is a profitable way to make money online. Personalized phone case, will seemingly never go out of style.

With a 5.4% Compound Annual Growth Rate, or CAGR, The "Mobile Phone Cases Market"Size is expected to grow from 6572 million USD In 2020, to reach 9926.2 Million USD by 2026 according to MarketWatch. It’s clear there will be no lack of customers for your phone case business. 

Phone cases are also easy to handle from a management perspective. They don’t break often, so there are fewer returns to deal with. They typically are lightweight and cheap to ship and often have decent profit margins. You can find phone cases for as little as $5 on a sites and sell them for $10+—an easy 50% profit. 

The best part? It doesn’t take much upfront investment to start a phone case business. You can create an online store in minutes, connect it to a dropshipping app, and go live in a few hours. 

Things to consider before starting a phone case business

Before you get to creating your own phone cases, there are a few things you’ll need to know, like the types of phone cases out there and which phones you should support.

Types of phone cases

Some phone cases are more practical, while others are more visually appealing. Some offer protection, while others are more like a second “skin” than a case. Some phone case companies try attempt to solve all of the above.

There are a multitude of options, but here are some of the most common types to get you started.

Slim and gel cases

Photo courtesy of: Printify

Slim cases are on the thinner side and let you add an eye-catching design and some additional grip to a phone, often through a flexible, rubbery silicone gel material.

These are some of the cheapest options you can use to produce and design your own phone case, especially if you want to print them on demand (more on that later). Remember, not every customer in the market for a phone case wants a super bulky “secure” case.

Bumper cases

Photo courtesy of: Oberlo

Unlike slim phone cases, these cases usually only cover the sides/border of your phone (they can also come with an additional piece for protecting the back from scratches) and are often made of a harder, shock-resistant material to protect your phone from dings and scratches.

Folio or wallet cases

Photo courtesy of: Oberlo

Folio cases have a cover that folds over the front of your phone to protect the screen from dust and scratches and give the phone the appearance of a small notebook.

Some even have wallet-like features, such as the ability to store cash or credit cards, while others can be turned into a stand to prop up your phone.

You’ll typically find these in a leathery material, and they likely will cost more than slim cases but also appeal to more practical consumers.

Tough cases

Photo courtesy of: Oberlo

Many people look at having a phone case less as an aesthetic choice and more as a way to protect the hundreds of dollars they invested in their phone should they ever drop it.

Tough cases are bulkier and add more weight to a phone but afford customers greater protection.

It’s important to recognize this when you create phone case online listings and write your product descriptions for tough phone cases, as anything from drop tests to details about water resistance can help give customers peace of mind.

Battery cases

Photo courtesy of: AliExpress

Battery life seems to be a problem regardless of what phone you have these days.

While they’re more expensive than most phone cases, battery cases are also very practical and offer a lot of utility for those moments when we wish we had just a bit more juice.

Since these cases not only protect your phone but provide some extra charge, battery cases are a good companion for models of phones where battery life is a constant complaint.

Silicone cases

Photo courtesy of: Oberlo

Silicone is another inexpensive option for selling phone cases online. Silicone cases are soft and durable and also work well in high temperatures. Silicone phone cases provide a softer touch for customers. You can find these on dropshipping sites for around $2 per case.

Choosing which devices to focus on

It’s not just a matter of deciding what kind of phone cases you want, but what kinds of phones you want to support.

However, this can also offer an opportunity to dig into specific niches based on phone models. If you can foresee a need for cases for upcoming phones or spot any underserved smartphone types, there may also be an opportunity there.

Some devices you may want to consider before you design or make custom phone cases are:

iPhone models

  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Plus

Samsung Galaxy models

  • Galaxy S
  • Galaxy A
  • Galaxy F
  • Galaxy M
  • Galaxy Z

Xiaomi models

  • Mi 9
  • Mi 10
  • Mi 11
  • Xiaomi 11
  • Xiaomi 12

To start do some basic keyword research in Google’s Keyword Planner or KWFinder to get a look at search volume as a reflection of demand for cases for specific types of phones. If you plan on using Google Ads to sell your products, it’s definitely worth looking into this before you ​​make your case for phone.

How to make your own phone case business

The best phone case businesses didn’t become successful overnight. Even with some trial and error, these brands followed a business plan and grew at a sustainable pace. Use this step-by-step guide to structure your own business model and create your own phone case business:

1. Identify a need in the market

You won’t be able to successfully design your own phone case based on effort alone. Think about a niche in the market that no one is fulfilling yet. Is it a case that’s best for outdoor adventures? Is it a line of cases designed by local artists in your region? Figure out what types should exist that currently aren’t being offered by big brands—and then create phone cases online to fill those gaps. While many consumers are even trying to create DIY cases, there’s still plenty of opportunity to capture a slice of the market.

Andrew Moore of Felony Case, says in a Shopify Masters interview that when starting his phone case business he “saw a need in the iPhone case market. At the time, they had the basic cases you could buy at Dollarama, the Dollar Store, or at a kiosk in the mall where they are super cheap.” 

In his research, Andrew found the other side of the market consisted of expensive, protective iPhone cases. But neither phone cases were aesthetically pleasing.

He saw a need “where more fashion-forward people might be looking for an iPhone case, something unique.” Think, a woman with a thousand dollar handbag probably doesn’t want a cheap case from the mall or a bulky protective case. So Andrew went with fashionable cases that also offered protection in case someone drops their phone. 

2. Develop a business plan

A business plan guides your entire journey when you create your own phone case business. It can help clarify your strategy, identify roadblocks, understand what you’ll need in terms of resources, and assess your business idea before you launch it.

Ask yourself: what is the ultimate goal for this product? Do you want to design your own phone case to be a brand name sold in Nordstrom or Urban Outfitters? Do you want to create a premium brand sold in boutique shops? Do you want to start an ecommerce store and sell to your own following? Maybe you want to donate a portion of your sales to a well-respected charity, as a business owner, you’re ultimately in charge.

Identify your business goals and keep them in mind as you build out your phone case brand.

3. Identify your target audience

Determining a target audience is key to selling products online successfully. Your goal isn’t just to identify a phone case or accessory that should exist, but also find a target market for the product. After all, your design and planning work is of little use if there’s no buyers for your product. 

Useful data points to understand before you make custom phone cases include:

  • Age range
  • Occupation
  • Spending patterns
  • Interest
  • Lifestyle
  • Habits and routines

How you collect this information is up to you. New businesses often go to social media and use tools like Facebook Audience Insights to reach new audiences. Others may go straight to their customers and survey them. Knowing how to build an email list, can also be very helpful for marketing and customer insights.

Consider the pros and cons of targeting certain demographics. For example, young people tend to be trendy and are more receptive to viral marketing and word of mouth. They also have limited funds. Middle-aged buyers may be able to afford more expensive phone cases, but also may be less concerned with being trend-conscious and prefer particular styles.

4. Start designing

The design step when you make your case for phone will be your biggest differentiator when selling custom phone cases online. It’s also where you can let your creativity shine. The first batch you release to the public will speak to your brand, so make sure you craft something awesome to put your stake in the ground.

There are two ways to go about designing your phone cases:

1. Work with designers and artists. Design communities like Dribbble are great places to shop around for designers based on the aesthetic you’re looking for. Or, if you’re looking for cost-effective designs, you can always find them on Fiverr. Try to look specifically for designers that do custom designs to help you create your own phone case.

2. Design your own phone cases. You can also create phone cases online with your own design mock-ups in Photoshop or Photopea, and many phone case print-on-demand services like CaseApp and Printful also have phone case mock-up generators you can use. Beyond the phone case design consider using unique fonts to showcase your brand name or logo. Using materials such as acrylic can also help your custom phone designs stand out as well.

Be wary that not all phone case suppliers will print on the sides of the case. Many will only print on the back, so make sure you pay attention to that during the design phase and when looking for a supplier.

Try to source several different designs so you’re not just betting on one idea, and get feedback as early as you can:

  • Post your designs on image-first social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, and use engagement (likes, shares, comments) as an indicator of interest. You can even put some money into promoting your designs to a wider, more relevant audience and see which ones do best.
  • Ask friends and family for their input.
  • Reddit is great for feedback if you're selling to a specific niche. Post your designs in a relevant subreddit (e.g.: r/pugs if you're selling cases for pug owners). The anonymity of Reddit will help you solicit good input.

Speaking to a niche market, a group of people who feel passionately about a specific interest, when you design your own phone case will give you an edge in terms of garnering interest. After all, accessories like phone cases for many people are simply a way to show off to the world who they are.

5. Source your phone cases

Once you’ve got designs you feel good about, it’s time to actually make custom phone cases and bring them to life. Unless you’re willing to invest thousands in your own printing equipment to make your case for phone, you have three main options when it comes to getting your phone cases made.

1. Find a manufacturer

Finding a manufacturer to create your own phone case is the route you’ll likely want to go in order to maximize your profits. Alibaba offers a directory of manufacturers in China who make a variety of high-quality phone case types, from slim to folio to battery.

While you will have to buy in bulk with a minimum order quantity that’s anywhere from 10 to 200 or more, you’ll have the potential to offer better prices and make more off of each sale when each case potentially costs you as little as $1.

You can also choose to partner with a local manufacturer to appeal to consumers who are interested in supporting businesses in their own country. Either way, be sure to order a sample first before you go in on a bulk order.

It’s worth noting that you don’t necessarily need inventory on hand in order to make sales. Sales can be used to decide which phone cases you actually order so you’re not stuck with hundreds of cases that just aren’t selling.

Since inventory won’t take up much room, if you’re confident about your phone cases, you can invest in an offline sales presence by setting up a cart or kiosk in a high traffic area like a mall.

2. Use a print-on-demand service 

Printful and Printify are just two of the many services that let you print phone cases on demand. While selling on demand will eat into your margins a bit more, it also takes shipping and fulfillment off your plate so you don’t need to keep any phone cases on hand or even order them in bulk.

If you’re selling these phone cases on your own Shopify store, print-on-demand services can integrate with your online storefront, taking care of fulfilling orders and customer support, so all you need to worry about is making sales.

Whether it’s a t-shirt, an enamel pin, jewelry, or a phone case, validating which designs people like can be tricky. These print-on-demand services offer a low-risk way to test ideas to design your own phone case, especially for slim phone cases.

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3. Dropship existing phone cases

Instead of making your own custom phone cases, you can use a dropshipping model so all you really need to worry about is building a website and making sales.

The only major downsides are that you’ll have far less control over the product and lower margins, but in exchange, the product, shipping, and fulfillment are taken care of for you. 

It’s as easy as using an app like DSers to import phone cases from Aliexpress into your Shopify store.

Read more: How to Find and Work With Reliable Dropshipping Suppliers

6. Choose a brand name and logo

If it looks like you can manufacture and make custom phone cases at a reasonable cost, you’re ready to create your public image. This starts with choosing a business name and logo. 

You can use a free design tool like Shopify logo maker to help craft a logo and build your brand. You’ll have to answer a few questions about your business, then the logo maker will suggest a logo from hundreds of available templates.

The best part? You don’t have to stop at your logo. You can download visual assets for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to create a consistent identity across all your channels.

Customers like brands with a good story, so try weaving yours into your brand name, logo, and website. If you’re manufacturing phone cases, you’ll want to have this ready before the first batch is finished. Then you can start selling your cases right away.

Resources:

7. Choose a price point

Pricing your phone cases is one of the keystone decisions you need to make. It impacts nearly every area of your business, from cash flow to profit margins to deciding what expenses you can afford.

Your pricing strategy ties into understanding your audience. Choose a price point that covers your manufacturing costs, but doesn’t deter the customers you’ll need to launch a successful phone case business. Remember, you want to aim for high enough profit margins that you can comfortably scale if your designs take off. Trial and error here is your friend.

8. Create your online store

You know how to make your case for phone, now where can you sell phone cases? A good place to start is by building an online store. 

Now, this sounds like a challenging task versus listing your products on online selling sites. These marketplaces can help build brand awareness during the early stages, but you’ll want your own digital home in the long run. It’ll help maintain control of your brand and retain more profits. 

For Felony Case, Andrew recommends focusing on your website first, then moving to online marketplaces. He explains, “Our website and retailers have been the two biggest sources of traffic and sales.” He’s found that when people find a Felony phone case on Etsy or Amazon, they do a Google search to see if the brand is credible. “They want to find your website directly just to validate the brand, make sure it looks legit.”

Shoppers will probably check social media profiles like Instagram and Facebook to see if you’re active there too. “I think all these touchpoints work hand in hand,” Andrew says, “and give your brand that full 360 view online.” 

9. Market your business

Now that you’ve figured out your market, your product, and your supply chain, it’s time to figure out how and where to sell your phone cases.

While marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon are good places to list your phone cases, you can also open an online store for own your brand, expand your marketing efforts, and build a long-term business.

As far as marketing goes, the following are recommended channels and tactics you should try, as well as resources for how to execute them:

  • Search engine marketing. Search engine marketing helps you reach people who are searching for phone cases for particular smartphones. The buying intention behind these searches means you’ll get the most relevant clicks through to your products and the phones you support. You can achieve this organically through SEO or by paying to promote through Google Ads.
  • Facebook advertising. If you’re targeting a specific interest group with your designs, Facebook ads can help you market to people who fit a certain profile.
  • Instagram marketing. Instagram is a highly visual platform, perfect for showing off your designs with the option for paid advertising as well.
  • Influencer marketing. Partnering with micro-celebrities, YouTubers, Instagrammers, TikTokers, etc. lets you harness their influence and established audiences to get your phone cases in front of more people.
  • Word of mouth. While posting on social media and working with influencers can get you far, don’t forget word of mouth. If your customers love your phone cases, that’s a huge opportunity for some extra marketing juice. Ask that your customers leave a review, or use testimonials in your marketing (with permission of course.)

When you’re writing product descriptions for your phones, be as specific as possible in your messaging and consider the biggest selling points for your phone cases. Maybe your phone cases aren’t the strongest in world, but are slim instead! Or maybe your custom iPhone clear cases are the strongest on the market. Speak to your customer about what matters most to them!

Anything from the material to water resistance to a video of your phone case passing a drop test can make your cases more appealing to potential customers beyond just their design.

How to make phone cases

You might want to make your own phone cases to sell instead of outsourcing them from a supplier. To make the designs for your phone cases, you can draw something by hand and scan it to the computer, create graphic art digitally in a tool like Photoshop or Canva, or hire a professional to create a design for you.

Launching your own phone case startup

Don’t get bogged down by the competition for phone cases. Like any other competitive market, what you need to focus on is appealing to the right niche and getting your products in front of these people. Start your business as a side hustle, then learn and grow it into a full-out small business.

Over time, you can figure out winning designs and phone cases, as well as ways to source them to increase your margins so you can double down on selling them.

Illustration by Rachel Tunstall

Phone case business FAQ

How do I start a phone case business?

 

  1. Identify a market need.
  2. Create a business plan.
  3. Identify a target audience.
  4. Design your phone cases.
  5. Find a manufacturer.
  6. Choose a brand name and logo.
  7. Choose a price point.
  8. Create your ecommerce website.
  9. Market your business.

How much is the phone case industry worth?

With a 5.4% Compound Annual Growth Rate, or CAGR, The "Mobile Phone Cases Market"Size is expected to grow from 6572 million USD In 2020, to reach 9926.2 Million USD by 2026 according to MarketWatch.

Are phone cases good for dropshipping?

Phone cases are an excellent dropshipping product because they are lightweight and easy to source. You can find hundreds of different models from suppliers like Alibaba or AliExpress, sell them in your online store, and never hold a single item in inventory.

How much does it cost to start a phone case business?

Starting a phone case business is more an investment of time than money. You can start a free trial with Shopify and import phone cases for free from dropshipping suppliers. You only pay for items when customers order them. After your free trial, you’ll pay as low at $39 per month to run your Shopify store.

How to Start a Phone Case Business in 7 Steps [2024]

In a market flooded with generic phone cases, have you ever felt the pull to create something unique? With the US phone accessory market gearing up to reach $75.62 billion by 2026., there’s a vast audience seeking more than just the ordinary. This is your cue to make your own phone cases—ones that resonate with individual style and still provide top-notch protection.

Start selling online now with Shopify

Start your free trial

Why start a phone case business?

Starting a custom phone case business has undeniable perks:

  1. You have the flexibility to sell phone cases online or from a physical kiosk.

  2. Their compact nature makes inventory and shipping a breeze.

  3. Production costs are typically on the lower end.

  4. You can opt for print-on-demand for minimal risk, or buy in bulk to boost profit margins.

  5. Each new phone model opens doors, especially considering that 44% of smartphone users upgrade every two years.

Is a phone case business profitable?

Starting a phone case business can be a lucrative venture in the online space. Personalized phone cases, in particular, maintain an enduring appeal.

Recent data from Technavio highlights the growing demand: with a 6.86% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), the phone case market’s value is projected to increase by $13.33 billion between 2023 and 2027. Such a trend underscores the abundant opportunities awaiting ecommerce entrepreneurs.

From an operational standpoint, phone cases present fewer headaches. They’re durable, leading to fewer returns. Their lightweight nature ensures affordable shipping, and the profit margins can be appealing. Consider sourcing a phone case for $5 and selling it for over $10, achieving a neat 50% profit.

And the icing on the cake? Launching a phone case business requires minimal upfront costs. Set up an online store, integrate a dropshipping application, and you’re all set to begin in just a few hours.

What do you need to start a phone case business?

The main thing any business owner needs when starting a phone case business is a good plan of action. There are many different kinds of cases out there for various types of phones. Make sure you know your options before diving into phone case design. Take a look at:

  • Gel cases:

    Slim gel cases are easy to customize with a range of designs. They come with additional grip sections, so it’s easier to keep hold of your phone. Gel cases are affordable and versatile—perfect for a range of designs. 

    Want more information on customized leather phone case? Feel free to contact us.

  • Bumper cases:

    Bumper cases usually come with extra protection for the edges and sides of your phone. They may have a full gel section for covering the back of the device or simply wrap around the phone in certain spaces to prevent damage.

  • Wallet cases:

    For sophisticated customers looking to protect their phone and screen simultaneously, wallet cases cover every part of the phone and defend against scratches. Most come in leather-style materials, which can be customized.

  • Hard cases:

    Hard cases snap onto the phone and help to protect against damage. They’re great for keeping your phone in good condition, and they can last longer than some gel and rubber options. Hard cases can also be customized. 

  • Special cases:

    Special cases have unique features, like extra shock protection, built-in charging systems, and even hand-carved wood designs. Most of these cases cost a little more, but they can be very appealing to customers.

Don’t forget to think about the kind of phones you want to design for too. There are a huge number of phone models on the market today. As a result, it may not be possible to create cases to fit every option straight away. Ideally, you’ll want to start with the top-selling phones for your target audience.

Tools like Keywords Everywhere can help you track the search volume for specific kinds of phones so you know where to begin.

Devices to make custom cases for

When starting your phone case business, another crucial decision is determining which phone models you’ll support. By targeting specific models or perhaps underserved smartphone niches, you open doors to unique market opportunities. For instance, spotting a demand for cases for an upcoming phone can position you ahead of the competition.

As you embark on your custom phone case journey, here are some key devices to consider:

iPhone models:

  • iPhone X

  • iPhone 12

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max

  • iPhone 13 mini

  • iPhone 13 Pro

  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14

  • iPhone 14 Pro

  • iPhone 14 Plus

  • iPhone 15

  • iPhone 15 Plus

  • iPhone 15 Pro

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy models:

  • Galaxy Z

  • Galaxy F

  • Galaxy S

  • Galaxy A

  • Galaxy M

Xiaomi models:

  • Mi 9

  • Mi 10

  • Mi 11

  • Xiaomi 11

  • Xiaomi 12

  • Xiaomi 13

How to make a phone case business: 7 steps to launch

Once you know what kind of cases you’re going to be designing and which phone types you’ll be targeting, it’s time to start mapping your path to launch. Though starting your own business can seem daunting at first, the evolving digital world makes it much easier to jump in than you’d think. Here’s what you need to make a phone case business:

1. Find a gap in the market

The best businesses come from discovering a market gap and building a strategy to fill that space. There are tons of phone case companies out there. Finding a specific niche to cater to will help you to build a memorable and competitive brand. 

Remember, a specific niche means that you’ll have fewer companies to fight against when it comes to making your company stand out. Focusing on a niche like “eco-friendly” customers will also direct your business processes, determining which kinds of materials you’re going to use and which suppliers you can work with. For instance, you could consider making phone cases using sustainable or recycled materials.

Focusing on a single niche will even help you rank higher with Google, because you can target specific terms that make the most sense to your audience. So, how do you find a gap?

Look at Google Trends

Tools like Google Trends will help you find trending products in your industry, like “wooden” phone cases or “personalized” phone cases. You can also use this tool to determine which phones your customers are most interested in.

Conduct competitor analysis

Checking out your competition will help you see which audiences are already being targeted and which groups still need more options. For instance, you might notice that none of your competitors are offering phone cases specifically for moms, teachers, or professionals.

Speak to your customers

Try speaking to people in your potential target audience. Running surveys on forums and social media groups might help you collect valuable information about your potential niche.

Check out influencers

Visit social media and see what kinds of cases are getting the most attention. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great places to find phone cases trending amongst audiences.

2. Determine your target audience

Determining your target audience is crucial for online sales. The right phone case design demands the right buyer. For instance, if you design a case inspired by various shades of nail polish, understanding who’s drawn to such designs becomes paramount.

Dig deep into data like:

  • Occupation

  • Interests

  • Age range

  • Lifestyle

  • Daily routines

  • Spending habits

Methods to gather this information vary between businesses. Many businesses tap into social media. Facebook Audience Insights can shed light on your potential customers. Others prefer a direct approach, reaching out and surveying their current customer base.

Different demographics have unique preferences. Younger audiences might gravitate toward designs inspired by trending nail polish colors. They might also, however, have budget constraints. Middle-aged buyers might invest in more durable cases, focusing less on design and more on function.

3. Design some phone cases

With your target audience set, it’s time to create some stunning phone cases. This is the fun part, where you get to experiment with different designs. You can create your own mockups in Photoshop or check out the mockup generators offered by print-on-demand (POD) companies. These allow you to see what your design would look like on multiple types of phones. 

Double-check your options before you start printing, as some companies will only print using certain techniques or only cover a certain percentage of the case. You can also design your phone cases by:

  • Using customer-generated designs:

    Have a social media following? Let your audience upload photos and designs for you to print onto a personalized phone case. 

  • Working with freelancers:

    There are tons of freelance artists online who can create phone case designs on your behalf. Many of these professionals are very affordable and can work on cases for many different customers. 

  • Reaching out to a designer:

    Find designers on creative forums and sites, like

    Dribbble

    . See who’s willing to work with you on a more long-term basis. You could even hire designers on contracts or ask them to design entire collections for you.

It helps to have a decent selection of options for your customers to choose from before launching your phone case brand. Don’t start a company with just one or two cases. Range matters to smartphone owners.  

4. Create a unique online brand

A brand refers to your identity or personality as a business. You can convey this through unique logos and color choices for your company, as well as a well-designed website, packaging strategy, and more. Branding makes your company more memorable to your target audience and helps to set you apart from the competition. Make sure you have:

  • A

    unique logo

    to set your brand apart from the competition

  • Attractive visuals like

    brand photography

    , animations, videos, and illustrations

  • A color pallet to convey a specific identity and personality for your company—make sure you understand the psychology of colors before

    creating a palette

     

  • Content and copywriting to showcase your unique tone of voice 

  • A brand name and mission statement that customers can remember

  • A mission or set of brand values to help identify you to customers

It helps to research some of your competitors to see the kind of branding they’ve been trying to build. Make notes of what you like and dislike about similar brands and use the available resources online to start creating. Shopify, for instance, has its own video and logo maker. 

5. Source your phone cases

Now it’s time to find a source to supply inventory to your business. There are a few options available here, such as:

Working with a manufacturer

It’s easy enough to find an affordable wholesale manufacturer with platforms like Alibaba and other online marketplaces. Here, you can search for all kinds of phone case types for different devices. You will need to buy in bulk, which means storing hundreds of cases at once, but you can save a lot of cash this way. 

Using print on demand

Print-on-demand companies are ideal if you want to easily add your own designs to products and send them straight to customers. With print on demand, you choose a supplier to add your designs to your chosen phone cases, and those companies will create the pieces for you. 

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is one of the most affordable ways to source phone cases for your business. You choose a manufacturer who makes the kind of product you want, and they’ll ship your phone cases direct to your customers for you. Dropshipping tools like DSers give you countless phone accessories to choose from, and you can avoid having to look after your own stock.

Confused between the last two? Learn how print-on-demand compares to dropshipping to pick the right sourcing strategy for your business.

6. Price your cases

Choosing the right price point for a product can be one of the toughest parts of building your phone case business. If your price is too high, it will drive customers to your competitors. However, an extremely low price can indicate that you’re using lower-quality materials. 

The pricing you choose needs to convey the high quality of your designs while still being affordable for your target market. Look at your competitors for an initial starting point to see what kind of prices they’re offering. Then, think about the factors that might affect your pricing, such as how long it takes to make the items you want to sell and how many resources you’ll need to hire. 

Once you recoup the costs of making the product with your pricing, you’ll need to think about how much of a profit you want to make. Check out these pricing strategy options for more guidance. 

7. Build your online store

Outside of designing your phone cases, building your online store is one of the most exciting things you’ll do when creating a new business. There are tons of great ways to start selling online, but it makes sense to start with a store builder that’s well-known and easy to use, like Shopify. 

As you’re working on your site, make sure to put up all the things that impact people’s perceptions of your business. Write engaging product descriptions, upload beautiful product images, and create noteworthy landing pages. Other things to consider include:

  • About and Contact Us pages to build site credibility

  • Checkout pages with multiple payment options

  • Legal information like privacy policies and terms and conditions

  • A blog or news page for content marketing 

  • Pop-ups and slide-ins for sharing offers with customers

Shopify comes with a range of excellent features so you can dive straight into your site development process. You can even choose from a set of beautiful ecommerce themes to apply, so you know your site is going to look great.

8. Promote your phone case brand

Finally, it’s time to start bringing people to your business. 

Marketing your phone case brand is the key to collecting as many loyal customers as possible. Some promotional strategies can cost a fortune, while others are more affordable. Here are some tips to keep it lean and mean:

Leverage social media

Share vibrant phone case designs that resonate with trending topics or pop culture. A case themed on a recent blockbuster movie, for instance, can draw a lot of organic interest.

Engage through email

Craft engaging newsletters showcasing your newest designs. Send out a monthly “Phone Case Spotlight” or special offers, ensuring subscribers eagerly await your emails.

Collaborate with influencers

Find a YouTuber or TikToker in the tech or fashion space. A single review or unboxing video of your unique phone case can bring thousands to your storefront.

Strategize social media advertising

Target specific groups, like comic book fans, with ads for cases that carry their favorite characters. Facebook or Instagram are ideal platforms for such targeted campaigns.

Invest in paid ad campaigns

Consider running Google Ads with compelling taglines such as, “Your Phone’s New Best Friend.” A well-placed ad can significantly boost visibility and sales.

How much does it cost to start a phone case business?

Launching a phone case business doesn’t always require a huge budget. Setting up your business name and getting the necessary permits might set you back about $400. Insurance, often overlooked, is vital; a basic policy can cost around $190.

Branding, even on a budget, makes a difference. With around $230, you can get professional-looking business cards and brochures. For your online presence, affordable or even free website platforms can help you start, costing approximately $500.

If you’re considering a dropshipping model, you eliminate inventory costs. However, you’ll want good design software. Open-source options or cost-effective subscriptions can come in at about $600. Overall, with strategic decisions, you might be launching your business for around $1,720.

Starting a custom phone case business in 2024

There you have it—all the steps required to launch a phone case business. 

Remember that it’s going to take effort and time (lots of them) to become profitable in this business.

While the margins on typical phone cases are thin, you can sell yours at a higher price by customizing them in unique ways based on your audience’s preferences. The tools and services we mentioned will give you the ability you need to make your phone case collection shine. 

In summary, here are all the steps to launching a custom phone case business: 

  1. Identify a market opportunity

  2. Design custom phone cases 

  3. Develop your brand

  4. Pick a way to source your cases

  5. Choose a price point 

  6. Build your online phone case store

  7. Promote your business

Now that you know where to begin, an exciting adventure of building a phone case brand awaits you. All you have to do now is take that first step. 

Start selling online now with Shopify

The company is the world’s best crossbody phone bag manufacturers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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