- How to start a phone case business?
- What types of phone cases can I begin with?
- Should I focus on protective designs, trendy custom phone cases, or start small with a print-on-demand model?
- Is this really a profitable online business idea in 2025?
If these questions have been on your mind, that’s completely normal. Keep reading – this guide will walk you through everything step by step and share 10 practical tips to help you get started the right way.
Is a phone case business profitable?
The answer is yes! In fact, phone cases are considered a trending product to sell online in 2025, and for good reason. The demand still continues to rise as the number of smartphone users grows every year, making cases one of the most profitable accessories in the market.
In more detail, the global mobile phone case market is expected to reach USD 41.42 billion by 2030. This growth is driven not only by the need to protect expensive devices but also by the growing desire for personalization.
More and more buyers are willing to pay more for tough protective cases, especially right after purchasing a new phone. At the same time, custom phone cases have become a form of self-expression, letting people showcase their favorite shows, music, quotes, or even viral social media trends.
For sellers, this opens up huge opportunities. There are so many styles and you can easily target a niche and stand out. In addition, starting this type of business doesn’t require big investments. By using print-on-demand or dropshipping, you can sell without holding inventory or keeping startup costs low.
All in all, a phone case business combines high demand, low risk, and great profit potential. If you’re looking for an online business, this is it. The market is booming and the smartest move is to get started now.
10 simple steps to start a phone case business
There are countless designs, countless sellers, and countless ways to launch a phone case business. So where do you start? In the following 10 steps, we’ll walk you through everything from understanding the market to creating your first designs, finding suppliers, and reaching your customers.
Step 1: Research the market to find your niche
Before jumping straight into designs and sales, the first thing you need is clarity. Take time to look around and see what’s already out there. You can check platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or Shopify to find which phone cases are trending. Ask yourself: Why are these designs selling? What makes them appealing?
To dig deeper, use free tools like Google Trends. It shows you what people are searching for, how popular those terms are, and whether there are opportunities that haven’t been fully explored yet.
| A thriving phone accessories business relies on understanding trends and your target market.
Step 2: Define your target audience & market gaps
To sell phone cases successfully, you first need to know who your customers are and what they care about. Do they value protection? Style? Affordability? Or maybe they’re just looking for something unique that shows off their personality. Social media is a great place to learn about it.
Identify gaps in the market to offer unique solutions. This gap could be a style that no one has nailed yet, a type of case missing for a certain phone model, or simply a better mix of design and price. When you identify this, you’re solving a problem and giving customers something they couldn’t find before.
A real example: Andrew Moore, founder of Felony Case, noticed that iPhone users mostly had two limited choices:
- Cheap, thin cases from mall kiosks
- Very expensive official Apple partners
Therefore, he stepped in with something different: strong, stylish, and affordable cases. That small observation became his competitive edge.
Step 3: Create a business plan
The next step is to put your ideas into a clear plan. A business plan doesn’t have to be complicated. It, it’s just a roadmap to help you stay focused and make smarter decisions.
A good business plan usually covers:
- Company overview: Your vision, mission, and what makes your brand unique.
- Market insights: Key opportunities, competitors, and trends.
- Customer profile: Who they are, where they live, what they like, and what they can afford.
- Products & services: What you’ll offer and how you’ll price them.
- Marketing plan: How you’ll reach your audience: social media, ads, influencers, or online marketplaces.
Step 4: Choose phone case types and models
Picking the right case types and models is important because customers often look for different things. Below are some types you can consider:
- Tough cases for maximum protection. These durable, dual-layer cases shield phones from drops and bumps while still looking stylish. Tough Phone Case as great examples.
- Snap cases – Sleek and lightweight, perfect for people who want a slim profile but basic protection. These cases balance durability with simplicity.
- Clear cases – Always popular because they let the phone’s original design show through. Flexible and protective, they appeal to minimalists and those who like a “barely there” look.
- Bumper cases – With a protective rubber edge but open front and back, bumper cases are for customers who love a minimalist feel and don’t want bulky covers.
Beyond the basics, you can also expand into niche options like wallet cases (with card slots), biodegradable cases (eco-friendly), or custom printed cases that allow full personalization. These can help your shop stand out and connect with specific customer groups.
Step 5: Build your brand identity
In a crowded phone case market, what makes your brand memorable is its unique identity. It’s not just a name or a logo, it’s the personality and vibe that customers connect with.
You can start with the basics:
- Pick a name that’s catchy, simple, and easy to spell. Secure a matching domain if you plan to sell online.
- Design your visuals: a logo, color palette, and fonts that reflect your style. Bright colors work for playful brands, while minimal tones fit a more premium feel.
- Define your voice. Do you want to sound fun and witty, calm and eco-friendly, or sleek and professional? This tone should be consistent across product pages, social media, and customer service.
Don’t forget to think about what your brand stands for – mission, values, and personality. Maybe you champion creativity, sustainability, or affordability. The clearer you define these, the easier it is for people to remember you and trust your products.
Step 6: Design your phone cases
Your designs are what set your brand apart, so try to focus on creativity, quality, and what your audience actually loves. You should gather inspiration first for phone case design ideas, then refine them to match your target customers.
Look at fashion, art, nature, or even social media trends on TikTok, Pinterest, or Instagram. Mix influences to spark fresh ideas, but don’t copy – create your own twist.
When creating your designs, keep these principles in mind:
- Colors matter: Choose shades that connect with your audience and match the vibe of popular phone models. Use bold tones for attention or soft palettes for elegance.
- Fonts add personality: A playful handwritten font feels different from a clean, modern typeface. Pick styles that match your theme and stay readable.
- Quality images: Always use high-resolution graphics so your designs look sharp and professional when printed.
- Keep it simple: Minimalist designs can be just as powerful as complex ones. Sometimes less really is more.
To make designing easier, especially if you’re new, you can use tools like:
- Canva – simple drag-and-drop for quick designs.
- Photoshop – professional editing and detailed graphics.
- Illustrator – perfect for vector-based designs and logos.
- Figma – great for collaborative design work and mockups.
In addition, before selling, order samples to check print quality, durability, and finish. Seeing your design on a real case helps you fine-tune details and ensures customers get a worthy product.
Step 7: Partner with a supplier or POD company
No matter which direction you take, you’ll need a reliable source for your phone cases. Here are the main options:
- Print-on-demand (POD) – The simplest way to get started. With Merchize, you can upload your designs and let the platform handle everything from production to shipping. This means no inventory, no upfront investment, and less stress. Your work is to test new designs and focus on sales and marketing.
- Work with manufacturers or suppliers – If you’re ready for bulk orders, this option gives you more control over quality and pricing. However, it requires higher upfront costs and inventory management.
- DIY production – Making your own phone cases offers complete creative freedom and uniqueness, but it’s labor-intensive and harder to scale as a business.
To make an exact decision, compare cost, quality, and shipping speed. For beginners, POD with Merchize is often the smartest choice, and as your business grows, you can explore suppliers or even custom production.
Step 8: Choose where to sell
Your sales channel will shape how customers discover your brand, so choose wisely. We suggest 3 main options:
- Your own website: Ideal if you want full control over design, branding, and content. It is great for building a long-term brand, but it requires strong marketing to drive traffic.
- Online marketplaces (Etsy, Amazon, eBay): Perfect for instant access to a huge customer base. Competition is higher, and customization is limited, but it’s a fast way to start selling.
- Social commerce (TikTok, Instagram): Best for reaching audiences through engaging content, viral trends, and influencer partnerships. Great for younger buyers who love interactive shopping.
Note that: if you’re just starting out, pick one platform and master it before expanding. Many sellers launch on Etsy or Shopify first, then grow by adding social media shops once their brand gains traction.
Step 9: Set up your online store
Your online store is the face of your brand, so make it count. Start with a clean, professional storefront that reflects your logo, colors, and overall brand style.
Next, focus on your products. Upload high-quality photos, then lots of customers often decide to buy based on images alone. Pair those with SEO-friendly product descriptions that highlight durability, materials, phone models, and unique features.
Pro tips: To boost sales, consider offering bundle deals, such as pairing a phone case with a matching phone grip. Customers love the convenience and aesthetic match, while you increase average order value.
With Merchize, you can explore a variety of creative options:
Finally, set up the basics that build trust: clear pricing, secure payment methods, transparent shipping, and a simple return policy. A reliable store makes it easier for customers to click “buy” with confidence.
Step 10: Market your phone case business
Even with the best designs, your phone case business can’t grow without the right marketing. The key is to reach people where they already spend time on search engines, social platforms, and their inboxesinbox.
- SEO & Google Ads: Make sure your store shows up when people search for specific product names. Use relevant keywords in product titles, descriptions, and blog posts. If you want faster visibility, try Google Ads or other pay-per-click campaigns.
- Social media marketing: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing phone cases. Just simple, share short videos, reels, and behind-the-scenes content to grab attention.
- Influencer collaborations: Partner with influencers in fashion, lifestyle, or tech niches. Their recommendations can instantly boost your brand’s visibility and credibility with the right audience.
- Email marketing: Don’t overlook the power of email. Encourage site visitors and followers to subscribe, then send updates about product drops, discounts, and special promotions. Email will truly keep customers coming back.
- Customer reviews: Happy buyers are your best marketers. Ask for reviews, feature them on your website or social media, and turn satisfied customers into brand advocates.
FAQs
- What kind of profit can I expect from selling phone cases?
On average, phone case sellers earn around 40% profit, but it can vary from 20% to 60% depending on your production method, cost of materials, pricing strategy, and sales volume. Print-on-demand models may have lower upfront costs but slightly lower margins, while bulk manufacturing can increase profit if you sell in volume.
- Are phone cases suitable for dropshipping?
Yes! Phone cases are lightweight, popular, and easy to ship, making them perfect for dropshipping. You can offer a wide range of designs without holding inventory, which lowers risk and allows you to test what sells best. Platforms like print-on-demand services let you start quickly and reach customers worldwide.
