How To Make Phone Cases And Start Selling Online

The demand for unique and interesting phone cases is booming, with a market size expected to reach $44.5 billion by 2033, a whopping increase from $25.7 billion in 2023.

This presents a fantastic opportunity for creative minds wanting to learn how to make phone cases as a business idea.

If you've ever considered starting your own online business, selling cell phone cases is a lucrative idea to pursue.  

There are two main ways to go about making phone cases: print-on-demand services (where you focus mainly on the design) or DIY manufacturing (which allows deeper customization).

This blog post will look into both methods, guiding you through how to make phone cases to launch your own phone case business.

Understanding the Phone Case Market

With billions of smartphones in use worldwide, it's no surprise that there's a massive demand for stylish and protective phone cases.

As seen in the image below, there are over 6 billion searches every year on Google for the query ‘phone case.’

Image via Google

This translates to a wide pool of potential customers for your phone case business.

The rise in ecommerce stores selling phone cases online has contributed to the growing phone case market.

Social media has also played a role in this increased demand.

Influencers are constantly promoting phone cases on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, showcasing how these accessories can elevate a phone's aesthetics.

See the example below of an influencer promoting Casetify phone cases through an unboxing video on Instagram.

Image via Instagram

However, here's the caveat — the high demand also means there's a lot of competition.

There are countless sellers offering phone cases in every imaginable style and design. So, how do you stand out in this crowded market?

One key strategy is to define your target audience. Do you plan on selling generic designs to appeal to a wider audience, or do you want to target a specific niche?

For instance, you can decide to create phone cases featuring iconic cartoon characters or famous musicians. Also, you can design cases with stunning landscape images to appeal to nature lovers.

The possibilities are endless. The important thing is to establish yourself as a brand that understands the desires of its target audience and offers relevant products they can connect with.

How to Design Phone Cases

Designing eye-catching and functional phone cases is the first step in learning how to make custom phone cases to sell.

To get started with the design process, here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Phone Case Types: Phone cases can come in different materials with different functionalities. These include slim cases that prioritize aesthetics and tougher cases that offer better protection.

See the example below of a slim phone case design.

Image via Pinterest

There are also silicone and gel cases that provide a nice grip and wallet cases that offer storage for cards and cash.

Take a look at these silicone phone cases.

Image via Etsy

To decide on the type of material, consider your target audience and the level of protection they might desire.

• Phone Models: The phone model is also considered when deciding how to design phone cases for your business.  Dimensions, camera placements, and button configurations all vary between phone models.

Designing for a specific phone model can ensure a perfect fit.

Test your design with a prototype to verify that it fits well and that all ports and buttons are accessible and functional.

• Color Schemes and Patterns: Experiment with color combinations and patterns to create visually appealing designs.

Use color theory to select colors that complement or contrast with each other. For instance, you can choose analogous colors for a serene look or complementary colors for a bold statement.

• Text and Logos: Keep text concise and easy to read. If you're incorporating a logo, ensure it's clear and scalable to different phone case sizes.

Several user-friendly platforms like Canva offer pre-made templates and features that you can use as you’re learning how to design a phone case.

However, for intricate designs and vector graphics, professional software like Adobe Illustrator is a great option.

Another thing to remember when learning how to make phone cases as a business is to ensure you have the rights to use any copyrighted material in your design. This includes trademarked logos, copyrighted artwork, character illustrations, and others.

To avoid copyright issues, you can also use royalty-free stock photos and fonts for your designs. You can find them on sites like Unsplash, Pixabay, and Getty Images.

Manufacturing Options for Phone Cases

Once you've finalized your eye-catching phone case designs, the next step in learning how to make custom phone cases is deciding the production method that best suits your needs.

You have two main options: print-on-demand (POD) and DIY manufacturing. We’ll cover both options in the following section.

Print-on-Demand Services

Print-on-demand is a type of ecommerce business model where products are customized with individual designs and manufactured only when an order is placed.

The print-on-demand company handles the manufacturing process, from printing your design onto the chosen case material and shipping directly to your customers.

If you’re worried about where to sell phone cases once you’ve made your design, the POD company handles it for you.

Using POD offers the following advantages:

• Low Upfront Cost: With POD, you don't need to invest in a bulk order of phone cases. You simply upload your designs and the POD service takes care of the printing and fulfillment.
• No Inventory Needed: Since POD printing happens on demand, you don't need to worry about managing inventory.
• Scalability: POD is a scalable solution that can grow with your business. As your demand increases, you can easily adjust your production volume without any major changes.

Several POD platforms cater to starting a POD business and promoting it. Here are some popular POD platforms that can help you kickstart your phone case business:

• Gelato: Gelato offers a wide range of products and allows you to get started for free.
• Printful: Printful has a user-friendly interface and integrates seamlessly with various online stores.
• Printify: Offering competitive pricing and a vast product catalog, Printify allows you to customize your profit margins for maximum control.
• Redbubble: Redbubble is an established marketplace with a built-in audience that lets you sell your designs alongside established artists.
• Podbase: This is one of the best POD platforms that takes care of everything, from high-quality printing and fulfillment to automated processes. Plus, it offers competitive pricing, quick turnaround times, and the ability to build custom product catalogs.

Podbase also offers integration with ecommerce platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce. This allows for a smooth workflow where you can manage your designs and orders directly within your existing store.

Lastly, Podbase handles an important aspect of an online phone case business: shipping. It allows global shipping, which allows you to reach a wider audience and potentially boost sales.

The process involved in how to make phone cases through print-on-demand services is simple. If you use Podbase as your POD service for phone case production, you simply have to follow these steps:

• Create an account on Podbase and upload your design files.
• Alternatively, you can choose from Podbase design templates for various phone models to ensure a perfect fit.
• Select the desired case material, style, and phone model.
• Set the prices for your phone cases.
• Once an order is placed, Podbase takes care of printing the design on the chosen case, packaging it securely, and shipping it directly to your customer.

When it comes to ensuring quality designs and materials for your phone cases, you need to choose a reputable POD platform.

Top print-on-demand services like Podbase prioritize high-quality printing and craftsmanship to ensure vibrant colors and durable phone cases.

Customization may vary depending on product type, size, color, and placement so be sure to check each platform's offerings. Podbase, for instance, allows for full-coverage printing and multiple case material options.

DIY Phone Case Manufacturing

If you prefer a hands-on approach with more room for customization, DIY manufacturing is an alternative path to learning how to make phone cases.

This method gives you complete control over the production process, allowing you to experiment with the materials.

However, this method requires an initial investment in equipment and materials, including:

• 3D Printer (Optional): This allows you to create custom phone case molds.
• Laser Cutter: Enables precise cutting of phone case materials.
• Molds: If you’re not using a 3D printer, you can use pre-made molds for specific phone models.
• Casting Materials: Choose from a variety of materials like resin, silicone, or TPU.
• Sandpaper and Finishing Tools: This is for polishing the final product.

There are three steps in the process of how to make a phone case: designing, molding, and printing. Materials like silicone or plastic are shaped using a mold. Then, the design is printed on. After production, cases undergo quality control checks for durability, fit, and design accuracy. Testing may include drop tests, fitment tests, and stress tests to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the DIY method when compared to POD services:

Pros

• Complete control over the design and manufacturing process
• Potential for a higher profit margin

Cons

• Requires high upfront investment
• Can be time-consuming
• Requires technical skills

How to Start Selling Phone Cases

With the increasing phone case market, you have a great opportunity to make money selling cell phone cases.

However, to tap into this demand, it’s important to decide where to sell phone cases. Choose the right sales platform and strategy. Here are the popular sales platform options you can consider:

• Using Ecommerce Platforms: Several ecommerce solutions like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon have built-in tools for setting up and managing your store. You can choose any ecommerce platform that aligns with your business goals and budget.
• Using Social Media: Alternatively, you can sell your phone case on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Use features like Instagram Shopping or Facebook Marketplace to showcase your products directly to your target audience.
• Integrating POD Services with Your Online Store: You can use POD services to sell your phone cases. This allows you to upload your designs, which are then printed on demand as orders come in. POD services like Podbase integrate seamlessly with popular ecommerce platforms, making it easy to showcase your designs and fulfill orders.

Regardless of the sales platform, here are some tips for creating a visually appealing store for your phone case business:

• Use High-Quality Images: Showcase your phone cases in clear, well-lit photos, along with clear product descriptions.
• Create Mockups and Lifestyle Shots: Use mockups to display the cases on phones and lifestyle shots to illustrate how they can enhance user style.

Here’s a good example of a phone case mockup showing customers how the phone case design would look on an actual phone.

Image via Pinterest

• Maintain Cohesive Branding: Maintain a consistent brand identity across your store and social media for brand recognition.
• Ensure Clear Navigation: Create well-defined categories in your store to make it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for.

A crucial step in learning how to make phone cases is setting competitive prices. Account for your costs before determining your prices.

Here's a breakdown of the key costs involved:

• POD service fees
• Phone case material
• Shipping costs
• Ecommerce platform fees (if any)
• Any marketing costs

Summary

Now that you’ve learned how to make phone cases, you can start working on this lucrative business idea.

It's your turn to unleash your creativity and passion and design phone cases that your target audience can resonate with.

Ready to take the plunge?  Consider using Podbase for seamless integration with popular ecommerce stores, extensive individual phone case customization options, and global shipping.

Monetize your passion and start your phone case business with Podbase today!