Phone cases appeal to people looking to personalize their device or add functionality to the gadget they use throughout the day. And with Americans replacing their phones every two to three years, there’s a steady stream of new sales opportunities for those who know how to make phone cases.
Phone cases are compact, making them easy to store and ship. You can keep overhead low, especially if you work with a print-on-demand company that eliminates inventory management.
Read on to learn how to make phone cases, where to source materials, and the best places to sell them.
How to make phone cases with print on demand
- Choose a print-on-demand platform
- Select a blank phone case
- Choose phone models
- Design your case
- Order samples
- Start selling your cases
There are several ways to make phone cases. You can individually decorate clear cases with acrylic pens, materials like pressed flowers, or glitter. If you have sewing skills, you can also make phone pouches with felt or other fabrics.
But the easiest way to make phone cases is to use a print-on-demand service. Here’s how:
1. Choose a print-on-demand platform
Compare the product offerings and design editors of different print-on-demand services, like Printful and Printify. Make sure whichever program you choose feels intuitive so you can navigate the process on your own.
If you plan to sell your phone cases on your Shopify website, choose a print-on-demand service with a Shopify app, so you can easily keep track of sales.
2. Select a blank phone case
Choose the blank phone case you’d like to add your design to. You may want to consider:
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Phone models available
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Estimated production time
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Price per unit
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Features like wireless charging compatibility
3. Choose phone models
Most phone models require a unique phone case. Select the phone models you want to offer before you start designing. You might find these options under “product variants” or a similar menu item.
4. Design your case
Use stock graphics, upload your own designs, or add text to your chosen case. If you’re uploading your design, check the platform’s recommendations for specs. Most platforms will provide a downloadable template you can use to design your phone case using your preferred graphic design software.
Preview your case to make sure no part of your design is unintentionally cut off.
5. Order samples
Once you’re happy with your design, order a sample of your phone case so you can see how it fits on a phone, what the print quality is like, and if the artwork is what you wanted. Samples will also help with marketing, allowing you to take photos and videos of the physical product to share on social media and your online store.
6. Start selling your cases
If you’re happy with your sample, you can start selling your phone cases on your ecommerce website or via social media. Or you can order more cases to sell in-person at your brick-and-mortar or pop-up shop.
Sell anywhere your followers are
With the Shopify Starter plan, your no-code store is ready in minutes. Start selling across Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, SMS, and watch your DMs turn into dollars.
Start free trialPrint-on-demand phone cases are ideal for generating passive income, because you only have to design them once. Each time a customer places an order, the POD company will handle manufacturing and shipping, and you’ll get a cut of the profits.
Learn more about running a phone case business below.
How to start your phone case business
- Find your niche
- Select phone case type
- Pick your phone models
- Decide how you’ll source your phone cases
- Choose a business name
- Legally establish your business
- Set your prices
- Develop a business plan
- Design phone cases
- Figure out your approach to inventory
- Create your online store
- Market your business
Use this step-by-step guide to launch your phone case business:
1. Find your niche
To stand out in a competitive market, you need to find a niche for your business. Consider the following:
Skills and interests
Your unique talents can shape your business direction. You might have crafting skills to create cases from unconventional materials, or artistic abilities to hand-draw custom designs.
For example, artist Bailey Hikawa creates ergonomic phone cases inspired by her work in conceptual sculpture.
Market gaps
Identifying gaps in the market helps establish your position among competitors. Andrew Moore, founder of Felony Case, started his business in 2012 after noticing an untapped market for stylish yet affordable cases.
“At the time they had the basic cases that you could pretty much buy at Dollarama or Dollar Store or at a kiosk in the mall where they are super, super cheap. Then on the opposite end of that they had super protective iPhone cases that were more expensive … but neither of those were very aesthetically pleasing,” Andrew says on Shopify Masters. “I saw a need there where I was going to try and offer very aesthetically pleasing cases that also offer the protection.”
Target audience
Know who will buy your phone cases and what they want. Wildflower Cases targets fashion-conscious teens and young women, which informs the brand’s pricing, design choices, marketing channels, and influencer partnerships.
For example, the brand collaborated with Gen Z model, musician, and influencer Gabriette on a case featuring lingerie.
2. Select phone case type
Phone cases can prioritize either protection or aesthetics. Here are common types to consider for your business:
Slim gel cases
These lightweight cases offer basic protection against scratches while providing extra grip through flexible silicone material. They’re an affordable way for customers to personalize their devices.
Velvet Caviar sells complementary accessories like grip rings and chain charms to enhance its gel cases.
Bumper cases
These cases protect the phone’s edges with harder, shock-resistant materials to guard against drops and impacts. Some include additional backing for scratch protection.
Evolved Chargers highlights practical benefits on its product pages, such as wireless charging compatibility and slim profiles that won’t add bulk.
Folio or wallet cases
Folio cases feature a folding cover that protects the screen from dust and scratches, resembling a small notebook. Some include wallet functionality for storing cards or cash, while others have built-in stands. These typically use leather-like materials and command higher prices.
Hand and Hide offers specialized wallet cases, including left-handed versions and dual phone holders.
Battery cases
While more expensive than other options, battery cases solve a common frustration by extending phone usage between charges.
Luxylemon effectively markets these cases by promoting their benefits during long commutes, emergencies, or situations where power outlets aren’t accessible.
3. Pick your phone models
If you manufacture your own cases, you’ll need to decide which models to support based on market research. For example, the most popular phone models among millennials are the Apple iPhone 15, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
4. Decide how you’ll source your phone cases
Regardless of your business model, you’ll need to source phone cases. Here are three options:
Use a print-on-demand service
Selling on demand can reduce your profit margin, but it also eliminates the risks that come with purchasing inventory upfront and the extra work of shipping and fulfillment. It’s a great way to start a business with no money.
If you’re selling phone cases in a Shopify store, print-on-demand apps integrate with your online storefront, so you can focus on making sales.
Free Webinar:
How to quickly start a profitable print-on-demand store
In our free 40-minute video workshop, we’ll get you from product idea to setting up an online store to getting your first print-on-demand sale.
Find a manufacturer
Finding a manufacturer to create your phone cases requires more effort than print on demand but can maximize your profits. While you’ll need to meet minimum order quantities (MOQ) and buy in bulk, you can potentially offer better prices and earn more each sale.
Here are a few tips for finding a manufacturer:
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Look at their specialties. Find a phone case manufacturer that specializes in the type of product you want to sell. This can mean they’ll have more options to choose from and are experts in that field.
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Ask for samples. Samples can tell you a lot about the quality of the phone cases before you put in a large order.
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Consider fees. Get clarity on any additional fees you might have to pay, including a setup fee, shipping and handling, tooling expenses, and inspection checks.
DIY
Creating your own phone cases gives you complete creative control. At artist Bailey Hikawa’s studio, for example, each case is made by hand using materials like clear urethane, silicone, and vintage items. Her cases are unique art pieces with premium pricing to match.
5. Choose a business name
Your business name tells your audience who you are and is the foundation of your brand identity.
Shopify’s AI Business Name Generator can help you find a fitting name for your phone case brand. Simply provide a description—like your location or types of cases you sell—and the tool will generate several options.
Before committing to a name, check its availability on social media, as a domain name, and within your state’s business entity database (typically through your local Secretary of State’s office).
6. Legally establish your business
Your location and business type will determine how you register your business. As a solopreneur, you might choose between a sole proprietorship and an LLC. An LLC involves more paperwork but better protects your personal assets.
US-based businesses should obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. You may also need to register with local and state government agencies.
7. Set your prices
Use these standard pricing models to determine retail prices for your phone cases:
1. Add your variable costs per product (cost of goods sold, packaging, shipping, etc.).
2. Assign a value to your time and estimate how much time you’ll spend per product.
3. Add your fixed costs (overhead expenses like rent).
4. Divide by the average number of products you expect to sell monthly.
5. Add your desired profit margin (consider market standards).
8. Develop a business plan
A business plan provides direction for your phone case business. The easiest way to write one is to start with a business plan template. Shopify’s free template includes these key elements:
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Company description. Summarize your business, goals, model, structure, vision, mission, and value proposition.
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Market research. Include insights about strengths, opportunities, market size, and competition.
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Ideal customer. Create an ideal customer profile detailing location, interests, income, and values.
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Services. List your offerings and pricing strategies.
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Marketing plan. Your marketing plan should outline how you’ll promote your phone case shop.
9. Design phone cases
Your designs help you stand out and showcase your creativity. Consider these design approaches:
Use a print-on-demand platform
These platforms let you drag and drop graphics, text, and stock photos for your designs. Some include built-in AI image generators. Printify, for example, connects users to Fiverr for hiring freelance designers and allows template saving.
Work with designers and artists
Communities like Dribbble are excellent for finding designers aligned with your vision. For cost-effective options, explore freelance marketplaces like Fiverr. Partner with designers who can create distinctive visuals that set your phone cases apart.
Decorate your own phone cases
Some sellers take a hands-on approach, drawing directly on cases or adding embellishments like beads and trinkets. Pinkiimoons, for instance, creates custom 3D phone cases using silicone cream and charms to craft unique designs.
10. Figure out your approach to inventory
Phone cases are compact, but you still need an inventory management plan. Options include:
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Creating a designated space in your home
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Leasing warehouse space
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Using dropshipping to have a third-party supplier fulfill orders under your brand
11. Create your online store
Building your own online store gives you maximum control and helps establish customer trust. “[Customers] want to find your website directly just to validate the brand,” says Felony Case founder Andrew Moore.
Shopify makes it easy to create a website without coding or design skills. Choose from preset themes in the Shopify Theme Store and customize with your branding, fonts, colors, and layout.
Enhance functionality with Shopify apps. For example, use Shopify Marketplace Connect to integrate your catalog with platforms like Etsy and Amazon, or connect to social selling channels, like Facebook.
12. Market your business
Promote your phone cases across different channels to expand your audience:
Search engine optimization (SEO)
SEO helps you reach people searching for phone cases for specific smartphones. Target relevant search terms in your product descriptions and blog content to increase website traffic. Use keyword research tools like Ahrefs to identify effective keywords.
Social media marketing
Social media marketing is crucial for phone case businesses. As Wildflower Cases president Dave Carlson notes on Shopify Masters, “We are a content creation company that happens to make phone cases.” Short-form videos can be a great way to showcase your phone cases in action.
Word of mouth
Don’t underestimate the power of customer recommendations. If your customers love your phone cases, ask them to leave reviews you can use as testimonials in your marketing (with permission).
Read more
- How To Source Products To Sell Online
- How to Start a Dropshipping Business- A Complete Playbook for 2024
- The Ultimate Guide To Dropshipping (2024)
- 130+ Dropshipping Products To Sell for Profit
- 6 Tips for How To Be a Successful Dropshipper (Full Playbook)
- The Ultimate Guide to Dropshipping Furniture
- The 11 Best Ecommerce Website Builder Picks
- How to Make and Sell Stickers Online
- Top Online Shopping Categories in the US
How to make phone cases FAQ
How do I start a phone case business?
1. Find your niche.
2. Select phone case type.
3. Pick your phone models.
4. Decide how you’ll source your phone cases.
5. Choose a business name.
6. Legally establish your business.
7. Set your prices.
8. Develop a business plan.
9. Design phone cases.
10. Figure out your approach to inventory.
11. Create your online store.
12. Market your business. 1
Are phone cases good for dropshipping?
Phone cases make excellent dropshipping products because they’re 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 inventory yourself.
How much does it cost to start a phone case business?
Starting a phone case business requires more time investment than money. You can start a free trial with Shopify and import phone cases from dropshipping suppliers at little to no upfront cost. You only pay for items when customers place orders.
Can a 3D printer make phone cases?
A 3D printer can create phone cases, but since printing a single case can take several hours, it’s not ideal for high-volume businesses.
What is the best material to make a cell phone case out of?
Common phone case materials include polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and silicone. PC offers durability, TPU provides flexibility, and silicone is lightweight. The best choice depends on which qualities you want to prioritize in your designs.
Is a phone case business profitable?
A phone case business can be a profitable way to make money online. With a 3.3% compound annual growth rate, according to Business Research Insights, phone cases maintain consistent demand. Their durability adds to their profitability, with less damage during storage and shipping.
