How to start a phone case business in 8 steps: From idea to profit

With smartphones in everybody’s pocket, custom phone cases are more than just a trend or fashion statement – they’re a daily must-have. 

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to start a phone case business online. Explore everything from brand development and design to selling and growing your customer base.

Why start a phone case business? 

The demand for phone cases continues to rise, driven by the ever-growing number of smartphone users worldwide. People love to personalize their devices, and custom phone cases are an easy way to express individuality. 

In fact, the cell phone case market was valued at $48.12 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $64.46 billion by 2033, making it a highly profitable industry. 

With a wide range of designs catering to different tastes – from minimalistic to bold and creative – there are tons of ways you can sell custom phone cases and profit from your chosen niche.

What makes this online business idea even more attractive is the low startup cost, especially when using print-on-demand services. You can launch your own phone case business without upfront inventory, making it a risk-free and scalable opportunity.

How to start a phone case business: 8 steps to success

Ready to cash in on the booming phone accessories market? Now’s your chance to launch your own custom phone case business. 

Let’s go through the steps to sell custom phone cases online and build a strong brand that stands out from the competition.

1. Conduct market research and identify your niche

Start by researching competitors to understand what’s already available in the market. Browse popular stores on Etsy and Amazon to identify best-selling phone cases and what makes them popular. 

Define your target audience based on demographics and pain points, and use tools like Google Trends and Semrush for keyword insights to see what’s trending. 

Finally, pinpoint gaps in the market that will define your custom phone case business, whether it’s offering quirky designs, using sustainable materials, or targeting a new customer group.

2. Create a solid business plan

Once you've identified your niche, it's time to map out a business plan. This should cover your business model, target market, product range, pricing strategy, and sales approach. 

Choosing the right selling price is key – it needs to reflect your costs, the quality of your materials, and your brand positioning. Charge too much, and you risk losing customers, but selling for too little undercuts your profits. 

Research what similar brands in the phone case industry charge and use tools like Printful’s pricing calculator to find a range that works for you. 

3. Select phone case types and models

Now it’s time to choose which case types to offer. Focus on existing and new phone models with large user bases – think iPhones and Samsung Galaxies. These dominate the market, so covering both brands is a solid bet for steady sales.

Next, think about the styles your target audience prefers. Some want maximum protection, while others go for sleek and simple customized phone cases. 

The four most popular case types are tough, snap, clear, and bumper. Each has its own vibe and fan base, so let’s examine them.

Tough cases

Tough cases are a must-have item in your online store for the best protection and durability.

These heavy-duty phone covers combine shock-absorbing layers with a snug fit, shielding phones from drops, bumps, and everyday use. Perfect for customers who want peace of mind with zero compromise on style.

Snap cases

Snap cases strike a balance – they’re less rigid and more lightweight than tough phone cases, but still offer impressive durability.

This type of cell phone case will appeal to people who like sleek simplicity and preserving their device’s original feel, but still care about decent protection.

Clear cases

No phone case brand could go without including clear cases in their lineup. They’re transparent, secure, and more flexible than the two previous options.

Clear cases are great for those who want to display their phone’s original design while safeguarding it from dust, dirt, scratches, and damage.

Bumper cases

Bumper cases offer basic protection with a rubber edge around the phone, leaving the front and back exposed. It gives a clean, lightweight look while guarding against minor drops and scuffs.

They’re preferred by those who favor minimalist designs, but provide less durability compared to full-coverage case types.

4. Develop your brand

A strong brand is key to building a profitable online store and standing out in the phone case market. Start by defining your brand identity and how you want to be perceived. A memorable brand name helps, and tools like Looka or Namelix can help you generate ideas.

Next, define your brand personality. Do you want to be seen as fun, creative, or exclusive? This shapes how you communicate with customers and should be consistent across all platforms, from your product pages to social media.

Finally, create your brand visuals. Choose a color scheme that reflects your brand’s message – vivid colors for playful designs or minimalistic tones for a more elevated feel. Use these in your logo and online store for a cohesive and memorable look.

5. Brainstorm phone case design ideas

The next step is all about creating eye-catching designs that will drive customers to purchase from your online business. Tap into trends and seasonal designs, and tailor your cell phone cases to specific audiences, like travel lovers or pet parents. 

Whether you go bold with glitter and 3D elements or keep it clean and minimal with subtle branding, the key is to create cases that your audience actually wants to show off. 

Need inspiration? Check out sites like Pinterest, Dribbble, and Shutterstock for ideas – just be sure not to copy others’ work. Then, use Canva, Figma, or Adobe Illustrator to turn your ideas into reality. 

If you’re not a skilled designer, you can hire a professional to create high-quality graphics or use Printful’s beginner-friendly Design Maker. Customize your phone’s design and preview realistic mockups before sending it to print.

Our Design Maker gives you access to a vast database of free patterns, graphics, and fonts, making it easy for beginners to create designs and launch their own phone case business.

Valuable read:

• 30+ Unique and Creative Phone Case Design Ideas For Your Store

• How to Design a Custom Phone Case

6. Partner with a print-on-demand company

Partnering with a print-on-demand company like Printful is the easiest way to sell custom phone cases without worrying about production or inventory management.

With on-demand production and no order minimums, you only pay once a customer makes a purchase – which means no upfront investment. 

It’s a step above dropshipping services. We still take care of your order from start to finish, from phone case production to delivery, but you get to design custom products.

Plus, we have fulfillment centers worldwide, ensuring short delivery times and affordable shipping – helping you expand your phone case business globally.

The whole process is fully automated. Once you integrate Printful into your online store, you can skip the logistics and dedicate yourself fully to marketing your phone case brand.

7. Select a sales channel and create your online phone case store

You have three main options to sell your phone cases online – ecommerce platforms, online marketplaces, or social commerce sites.

Ecommerce platforms

Squarespace, WooCommerce (WordPress plugin), Shopify, and Wix let you build an online store without any coding. Use pre-made templates and customize your ecommerce website based on your brand colors and design goals.

Online marketplaces

Etsy, eBay, and Amazon are the most popular marketplaces. While you won’t be able to customize your storefront, these online shopping platforms give you exposure to a large customer base and various marketing solutions.

Social commerce

Platforms like TikTok Shop let you sell mobile phone cases directly through engaging content – think unboxings, live reviews, and viral trends. Perfect for reaching younger audiences and turning views into instant sales.

Building your own website from scratch? Easily connect our print-on-demand services with the Printful API.

If you’re new to selling phone cases online, stick to one platform to begin with and focus on growing sales there. But if you’ve got the resources, try a few at once to see what clicks. For example, run your own ecommerce site while also selling on Etsy to grow your reach.

8. Market your products

To make your phone case business profitable, you need to develop effective marketing strategies. Choose marketing channels based on where your target audience typically looks for products.

Here are some of the best ways to promote your custom phone case business.

Search engine optimization (SEO)

Make sure your store shows up when people Google things like “cool phone cases” or “custom iPhone case.” Use relevant keywords on your product pages and social media profiles. Want a traffic boost? Try Google Ads to get your products to the top of search results.

Instagram

Show off your high-quality phone cases with bold visuals, reels, and stories. Use your feed for product drops, sharing user-generated content, and customer interactions to build a loyal following. Don’t forget to hop on trends and use hashtags for better visibility.

Facebook

Facebook is a great social media marketing platform with robust advertising options to reach different demographics. Create a community around your brand, engage with potential customers through posts and comments, and share promotions or product updates.

TikTok

If you're targeting Gen Z, TikTok is the go-to platform. Short-form video ads and organic content can go viral quickly, helping your phone case designs reach a younger, highly engaged audience. Use TikTok for product reveals, trends, or even fun behind-the-scenes content.

Influencer marketing

Partnering with influencers can be a game-changer for promoting your phone case business. Influencers in niches like fashion, lifestyle, and tech have dedicated followers that trust their recommendations. Collaborate with them to amplify your reach and build credibility.

Email marketing

Email is a powerful marketing tool for engaging existing and potential customers. A simple signup form and occasional updates about new designs or deals can keep customers coming back – perfect for building a successful phone case business.

Final words 

Now that you know how to start a phone case business, it’s time to turn your ideas into reality.

With smartphone owners always looking for the next best thing, the demand for unique phone cases is only rising. By defining your niche, building a strong brand, and creating standout designs, you can successfully sell your own phone cases online. 

Let Printful handle all your customer orders, from printing to shipping. No inventory, no stress – just pure profits and a thriving business.