How to Make Custom Phone Cases to Sell Online (2024 Updates)

Before launching an online custom phone case business, choosing a profitable phone case niche, understanding target consumers, creating captivating designs, and implementing effective marketing strategies hold the key to triumph. Do you find this process lacking clarity? Stay tuned, here is the easy-to-follow guide on how to make custom phone cases to sell online from Teeinblue Product Personalizer. Wrap it now!

How to Make Custom Phone Cases to Sell in 9 Steps

With these ready-to-practice steps, creating and selling custom phone cases becomes more organized:

Ever-green steps: (1) choose a phone case niche, (2) research the niche potential, and (3) make a business plan.
Make custom phone cases: (4) design stunning artwork, (5) identify a method to produce products and ship them.
Sell your items: (6) create an online store, (7) set prices, (8) launch marketing campaigns, and (9) review your strategies.

Here are the best way of how to make custom phone cases to sell!

1. Choose a Phone Case Niche

By aligning your offerings with a specific phone case range, you can differentiate your brand and maximize your marketing efforts. When selling these products, phone cover types, printing technologies, and smartphone models are the most important criteria to consider.

Phone Cover Types

Phone cases vary in practicality and visual appeal. Some emphasize protection while others offer a sleek, form-fitting design. Here are the most common mobile cover types to choose from:

Slim and gel cases are sleek, slim, eye-catching, and affordability. They enhance grip with a flexible silicone gel material. They appeal to customers who prefer a thinner, more stylish option over bulky protective cases.
Bumper cases provide partial coverage, typically for the sides or border of the phone. Made of durable and shock-resistant material, they can protect phones against dings and scratches while maintaining a sleek appearance.
Folio or wallet cases resemble a small notebook and safeguard for the back, border, and screen. Some variants have storage for cards. Despite their leather materials and higher price, they are favored by most practical consumers.
Tough hard cases prioritize protection over aesthetics, so they have a “muscular” look and heavier weight to enhance phone safeguarding. They challenge adventurous users, especially men to drop tests and water resistance.
Battery cases provide additional battery power holders for practicality and utility. While its price is quite high and the audience is not as large as others, you can earn high profit from them.
Silicone cases are eye-catching, easy to personalize, soft, and durable in spite of high temperatures. They not only have the most affordable price but also bring comfort. That’s why they are the best-selling custom protective covers.
Biodegradable cases are eco-friendly options crafted from PLA plant polymer and bamboo fibers. These offers can attract consumers who prioritize both phone protection and environmental sustainability.
Clear cases bring a crystal-clear, flexible, durable design. The impact-resistant, ultra-thin width and the ability for wireless charging make it one of the best cases for various smartphone models.
Flexi cases are slim, flexible, and lightweight, complementing the phone's design without overwhelming it. The frosty transparent TPU shell provides impact resistance and wireless-charging ability.

Choose phone case types to start personalizing

9 best-selling phone case categories to personalize

Which type of phone cases do you want to customize? Note it down and delve into the next criteria.

Smartphone Models

By anticipating the demand for cases for upcoming phones or identifying the most popular smartphone models, you can potentially tap into new opportunities. Here are the best-selling brands (Counterpoint) and their models:

iPhone: 8, X, 11, 12, 12 Pro Max, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Pro, and 14 Plus.
Samsung: Galaxy S, A, F, M, and Z series.
Xiaomi: Mi 9, Mi 10, Mi 11, Xiaomi 11, and Xiaomi 12.
Oppo: Reno series, Find X6, and F23.
Vivo: X60 Pro, V25, V23, and V20.

2. Make a Market Research

When you get a phone case type and a model, now it’s time to identify if that combination can help you generate profit. Since you sell custom phone cases online, you can have deep insights with a laptop.

Estimate market size: For example, if you want to sell a custom phone case for iPhone 13 Pro Max, find its volume on Google Keyword Planner or other keyword tools. Or use trend prediction websites like Google Trends or Ahrefs. The higher volume, the larger the potential market.
Identify target customers: Identify potential customers who are likely to purchase custom phone cases. Clarify their demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, location, hobbies, and lifestyle. Finally, segment them into many groups and choose the best one.
Analyze competitors: Conduct research on popular platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. Then analyze their best-selling personalized item for a model for things setting them apart. Look for any gaps to offer something unique or fill a need that others are not addressing.

research the market before selling custom phone cases

Research keywords for customized phone cases for iPhone 13 Pro Max (by Keyword Tool)

3. Make a Business Plan to Sell Custom Phone Cases

A plan helps you clarify your strategy, identify potential challenges, determine the resources you'll need, and evaluate the viability of your idea. By answering these questions, you can develop a solid business plan:

Which is the most important goal for this custom phone case?
Which business model do you prefer: follow print-on-demand or invest inventory, factory, and deliver yourself?
Which business types do you want: build your own brand with a website or sell them on a marketplace?
How much will you spend on a custom phone case store?

Tips: Whatever your choice is, remember to choose a unique brand name and logo.

4. Create Designs for Personalized Phone Cases

Now, let’s design one-of-a-kind artwork to make your phone case shine in the crowd. Regardless of experience in design or not, you can make it following these steps:

Get inspiration from places for designers like Dribble, Fiverr, Behance, or Pinterest. Or take a look at the best-selling phone case artwork on e-Commerce marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
Design your artwork using Photoshop, Photopea, Canva, or Teeinblue Product Personalizer. Make sure the artwork size matches the fixed print area and the file has a proper format case for smooth production and high-quality printing.
Ask for feedback on your social media sites and forums like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Discord, or any target channel. Don’t forget your teammate, family, or friends.

💡 You may concern: 3 Steps to Create a Winning Design for Personalized Phone Cases

Or you can save time on designing by

Outsourcing designers: Work with artists who offer prices and styles matching your goals.
Purchasing designs: Take notice of their licenses allowing commercial or not to avoid legacy troubles.

A customizable mobile phone protective cover with multiple options (Teeinblue POD’s Demo Store)

5. Find Suppliers Offering Custom Mobile Case Services

Connecting with suppliers helps you reduce investment and risks. There are two most popular ways that merchants often apply:

Working with a custom phone cases manufacturer and delivery services.
Utilizing print-on-demand fulfillment services for phone cases.

The first method requires more effort to find and manage a smooth process. Meanwhile, the second helps you focus 100% on creating designs and improving your sales. Regardless of your way, it is crucial to choose a supplier with a low-cost base, fast shipping, and printing technologies.

6. Build an Online Store With Cell Phone Covers

Creating an online store is crucial to showcase your unique custom smartphone cases. Consider one of these two most effective approaches!

Build a Stall on an e-Commerce Marketplace

Marketplaces have an available customer base and offer multiple features to create a stall easily. Therefore, they are good for non-experienced sellers to start. Consider three suggestions below:

Etsy: known for its handmade and unique products.
Amazon: largest online marketplace globally with a vast customer base.
eBay: the most popular place for consumers to buy phones and accessories.

Although these marketplaces are easy to use, they have limited customization options and marketing activities. This may hamper your growth.

Create Your Own Website

If you prefer more control over your online store and want to build your own brand presence, consider the following platforms:

Shopify: User-friendly platform with extensive app integrations and marketing tools for easily selling custom phone cases.
WooCommerce: Highly customizable plugin for WordPress, empowering you to sell custom phone cases with complete control.
Squarespace: Visually stunning templates and intuitive design tools for showcasing your personalized mobile covers.
Wix Stores: User-friendly website builder with built-in e-commerce capabilities for creating visually appealing online phone case product pages.
BigCommerce: Robust platform with advanced customization options, integrated marketing tools, and seamless integrations for growing.
PrestaShop: Free and open-source platform with extensive customization options and a large community to discuss.

A store created on Etsy vs one on Shopify

You may hear about the website builder – WordPress. It is a powerful platform for website and content management. However, it has limitations on e-Commerce features and scalability.

That’s why selling your custom phone case on an open-source e-Commerce platform is better. You can own a domain and maximize its advantages such as greater customization options and branding opportunities.

💡 You may concern: Should You Start Your Custom Phone Case Business on Shopify or Etsy?

7. Set the Price for Your Personalized Mobile Cases

Pricing strategy directly affects your revenue, profit margins, competitiveness, retention, and brand image. An excellent pricing strategy is based on market conditions, customer feedback, and financial goals.

The retail price must base on the target customers' budget and include essential elements to earn profit:

Manufacturing costs
Shipping costs
Marketing fee
Return and insurance
Profit margin

Here are the two most common pricing strategies for you to start:

Cost-based pricing, where you calculate unit costs and set profit margins.
Market-based pricing, strategically pricing below competitors to increase sales volume.

💡 You may concern: Choose the Best print-on-demand Pricing Strategy for Your Personalized Phone Case Business

8. Launch Marketing Campaigns

Now, you have made a complete custom phone case and be ready to sell. Marketing activities can bring your product to target buyers. Consider the most effective practices below:

Search engine marketing: Use SEO techniques to improve your website's visibility. Consider paid advertising like Google Ads to target specific keywords and reach potential customers searching for custom phone cases.
Facebook advertising: Facebook offers advanced targeting options to reach specific interest groups. Create targeted ads to showcase your phone case designs and attract potential customers.
Instagram marketing: Instagram is ideal for showcasing your phone case designs. Utilize both organic posts and paid advertising on Instagram to engage with your audience and promote your products effectively.
Influencer marketing: Collaborate with influencers who have established audiences in your niche. Partner with micro-celebrities, YouTubers, Instagrammers, or TikTokers to expose your personalized phone cases to a wider audience.
Word of mouth: Encourage your customers to leave reviews and testimonials about your phone cases. Positive word-of-mouth can be a powerful marketing tool and attract new customers.

marketing custom phone cases to generate sales

SEO is a cost-saving strategy with long-term benefits

When marketing personalized print-on-demand phone cases, focus on unique selling points like slim design, material quality, water resistance, or drop test results. To start, let’s utilize personal connections. For example, inform your friends, family, and personal relationships about your store. And announce the launch of your shop on social media and ask your friends to help spread.

9. Review Your Products and Sales Strategies

Reviewing allows you to assess the effectiveness of your current approach, identify rooms for improvement, and make informed decisions to enhance your products. Here are the most essentials to take notice of:

Analyze sales data: Identify patterns, trends, and products that are performing well and those that may require improvement.
Seek customer feedback: Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups to collect reviews and understand their needs and pain points.
Conduct competitor analysis: Evaluate their products, pricing, marketing tactics, and customer engagement strategies to differentiate yours.
Review pricing strategies: Ensure your prices are competitive and aligned with the value your products provide.
Evaluate marketing efforts: Analyze metrics such as reach, engagement, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI).
Set new goals: Based on your analysis, set realistic goals and KPIs to measure the success of your online custom phone cases business.
Implement changes: Make the necessary adjustments to your designs, pricing, marketing, and more. Remember to monitor the impact of these changes closely.

review sale strategy when selling personalized phone cases

Continuously follow sales data to identify poor-performance products

Frequently Asked Question: Custom Phone Cases Online Business

Is Making Personalized Phone Cases Profitable?

Selling personalized phone cases online can make a profit of around 40% if approached strategically. By 2022, the estimated size of the mobile phone protective cover global market is around $21.89 billion.

Furthermore, the annual growth rate (CAGR) can reach 8.3% from 2023 to 2030 (Grand View Research). Despite challenges such as market saturation and production costs, offering unique products that meet high demand while requiring a low initial investment is promising.

Which Printing Method Should You Use for Your Phone Cases?

There are various printing methods available to transform ordinary phone cases into unique and eye-catching accessories. Remember to choose a manufacturer offering the right method for your phone case material and design style.

Printing technology	Process	Suitable phone cases	Pros and cons
Screen Printing	Traditional method, use stencils and thick inks to apply vibrant colors onto phone cases.	Gel/TPU soft rubber, hard plastic, wood, and metal cases.	Ideal for high-volume orders. But limited color options, longer production time, and not suitable for small quantities or printing photographs.
Digital UV Printing	Instantly cure the ink with ultraviolet light.	For almost materials of mobile covers.	Fine details, faster production, and eco-friendly option. But support low-volume orders, and fade over time, especially near the edges.
Embossing and Debossing	Embossing provides a raised effect, while debossing creates a sunk-in impression.	PU leather and similar leathers.	Create high-detail printings. But not suitable for hard or gel cases and cannot produce photographic images.
Heat Transfer	Use thermoplastic ink then print your design onto a special release paper through high temperature and pressure.	A wide range of materials.	Bring durable designs, including photographic images. But require long production and not ideal for large quantities.
2D and 3D Sublimation	Advanced method, the design goes from a solid to a gas state without becoming liquid.	Hard, gel, and TPU cases	Ensure high detail, lively colors, and durability. But cause high price and limitation in a high-volume quantity.
Water Transfer/ Hydrographic	A 3D decorating process to dip cases in a tank with a water-soluble film.	Plastic, wood, fiberglass, and metal phone cases	For curved and rounded surfaces and a matte or glossy finish. But chip easily by time and not for gel/TPU case.
IMD/IML Printing	Insert the designs to the case through the injection molding cycle.	Hard plastic and flexible TPU cases	Bring permanent and vibrant designs. But long production and not for small quantities (typically under 250)

How to Maximize Profit When Selling Tailor-made Phone Covers?

Besides a good business plan, these tips can help you maximize profit:

Include phone accessories: wireless charge, headphones, earbuds, stands, etc.
Ensure high-quality prints: choose the suppliers and follow print file guidelines.
Catch the design trends: monogram, 3D, blue color with pets, floral, quotes, etc.
Diversify personalization options: photo upload, text personalization, maps, etc.

Which e-Commerce Platform is the Best to Retail Made-to-order Phone Cases?

There is no perfect e-Commerce platform for all needs. Each one serves certain specific requirements. If you are going to make custom print-on-demand phone cases to sell, consider using a top-rated choice, Shopify. You can control the whole store, sell with global fulfillment suppliers, and add useful apps to boost sales.

the best platform to sell custom phone cases

Own domain and data, and expand products easily for a Shopify store

4 Steps to Make Custom Phone Cases on Shopify

Save a quick process to create and sell the first customized mobile protective cover now!

Create a Shopify store: Sign up for a Shopify account, get a pricing plan, and set up your store. If you have a Shopify store already, skip this step.
Connect with white-label case suppliers: Find and connect with a print-on-demand provider who matches your product types and printing technologies.
Design unique cases with a product personalizer: Modify theme code for basic personalization or add custom product Shopify app for more advanced tools.
Publish and get to sell your personalized cases: Customize the product pages, utilize its smart purchasing process, and closely follow your orders.

If you're looking to enhance your Shopify store with a powerful product personalization tool, consider adding Teeinblue Product Personalizer. You can let customers easily customize their own phone cases with images, text, and colors. Moreover, it has the ability to send orders to production with ease.

Discover how Teeinblue Product Personalizer helps you sell custom phone cases through this video:

Learning how to make custom phone cases to sell opens up a lucrative business opportunity. Hope sharing from Teeinblue Product Personalizer experts is helpful to your start. From creating custom designs to choosing suppliers and promoting personalized phone cases, it’s best to focus on customer insights to win your goals. Wishing you the best of luck in your online phone cases store!

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