How to start phone case business is very simple! You do not have to run from pillar to post as a student or any interested individual before you can have a business that deals primarily in making or selling phone cases. Phone cases are important to everyone who uses phones especially high-cost ones. They help make one’s phone stay longer than they would have if not protected using quality phone cases.
With the US phone accessory market rising up to a very high profit, making it a highly lucrative business 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.
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.
Hence, let us check out the steps to ply on how to start phone case business anywhere you are in the world regardless of who you are. The defining quality is a question of interest. So below are the steps to starting phone case business:
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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
- Conduct competitor analysis
- Speak to your customers
- Check out influencers
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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.
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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.
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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
- Working with freelancers
- Reaching out to a designer
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.
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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:
Work 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.
Use 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.
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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
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Promote your Phone Case Brand
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. 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.
Here are some tips to keep it lean and mean:
- Leverage social media
- Engage through email
- Collaborate with influencers
- Strategize social media advertising
- Invest in paid ad campaigns
Things You Need to Start a Phone Case Business
Here are some of the things you will need before you start a phone case business:
- 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.
- 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.
