The Phone Case Market in POD 2025. Selling personalized phone cases online can yield a profit margin of around 40% if approached strategically. By 2022, the estimated global phone case market size was approximately $21.89 billion.
Moreover, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to reach 8.3% from 2023 to 2030 (Grand View Research) for the phone case market. Despite challenges such as market saturation and production costs, offering unique products that meet high demand while requiring low initial investment is highly promising.
Before launching a product in the phone case market, selecting a profitable niche, identifying target customers, creating appealing designs, and implementing effective marketing strategies are key to success.
Do You Understand the Process?
Here are nine easy-to-follow steps on creating and selling phone cases online, as outlined by Hacecommerce.
1. How to Create Phone Cases for Sale in 9 Steps
With these ready-to-implement steps, designing and selling your phone cases will become more structured:
Sustainability:
- Choose a niche in the phone cases market
- Research potential niches
- Develop a business plan
Product Creation Process:
- Design stunning artwork
- Determine production and shipping methods
Marketing & Distribution:
- Set up an online store
- Set pricing strategies
- Implement marketing campaigns
- Review and optimize strategies
Below are the best methods to create and sell phone cases successfully!
2. Choosing a Phone Case Niche in the Phone Case Market
By aligning your products with a specific category of phone cases, you can differentiate your brand and maximize your marketing efforts. When selling these products, key factors include phone case types, printing technology, and smartphone models.
Types of Phone Cases
Phone cases are available in various styles and sizes. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Slim & Gel Cases: Sleek, lightweight, and affordable, these cases offer better grip with flexible silicone gel materials. They attract customers who prefer thinner and more stylish options over bulky cases.
- Bumper Cases: Provide partial coverage, typically for the edges or frame of the phone. Made of durable, shock-resistant materials, they protect against drops and scratches while maintaining a sleek look.
- Folio or Wallet Cases: Resembling a small notebook, these cases protect the back, edges, and screen. Some versions include card storage. While often made of leather and priced higher, they remain a popular choice among consumers.
- Rugged Cases: Prioritizing protection over aesthetics, these cases have a “muscular” design and a heavier weight for enhanced durability. They are preferred by men and perform well in drop tests and waterproofing.
- Battery Cases: Offer extra battery storage for added practicality. Although they come at a higher price and have a smaller phone case market, they can yield high profits.
- Silicone Cases: Attractive, customizable, soft, and durable despite high temperatures. They are the most affordable option and the most comfortable, making them the best-selling phone case.
- Biodegradable Cases: Eco-friendly options made from plant-based PLA polymers and bamboo fibres. These appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize both phone protection and sustainability.
- Clear Cases: Provide a transparent, flexible, and durable design. Their impact resistance, ultra-thin width, and wireless charging compatibility make them one of the best choices for various smartphone models.
- Flexi Cases: Thin, flexible, and lightweight, these cases complement the phone’s design without adding bulk. The frosted transparent TPU shell offers impact resistance and wireless charging support.
3. Conduct Phone Case Market Research
Once you have selected a phone case type and model, it’s time to determine whether the combination is profitable.
- Estimate Phone Case Market Size: If you plan to sell phone cases for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, check the search volume of that Phone Case Market on Google Keyword Planner or other keyword tools. You can also use trend forecasting sites like Google Trends or Ahrefs. The higher the search volume, the larger the potential phone case market.
- Identify Target Customers: Define potential buyers likely to purchase customized phone cases. Clarify their demographics, such as age, gender, location, interests, and lifestyle. Segment them into different groups and choose the best one to target.
- Analyze Competitors: Research popular platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. Examine their best-selling personalized cases to identify patterns that make them stand out. Look for gaps where you can offer something unique or fulfil unmet customer needs.
4. Develop a Business Plan for Selling Phone Cases
A business plan helps clarify your strategy, identify potential challenges, determine necessary resources, and evaluate the viability of your idea. Answering the following questions will help you build a solid plan:
- What is the primary goal of your phone case business?
- Do you prefer a POD (Print on Demand) model or investing in inventory, manufacturing, and shipping yourself?
- Would you instead build your brand with a website or sell on a marketplace?
- How much are you willing to invest in a phone case store?
Tip: Remember to select a unique brand name and logo regardless of your choice.
5. Create Designs for Personalized Phone Cases
Now, design unique artwork that makes your phone cases stand out. Regardless of your design experience, follow these steps:
- Find inspiration from platforms like Dribbble, Fiverr, Behance, or Pinterest. You can check best-selling phone case designs on eCommerce like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
- Design your artwork using Photoshop or Canva. Ensure the artwork size matches the fixed print area and the file format is appropriate for smooth production and high-quality printing.
- Request feedback from social media and online forums such as Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Discord, or any relevant niche groups. Don’t forget to ask friends, family, and teammates.
Alternatively, you can:
- Outsource the design work by collaborating with artists who offer styles and pricing that align with your goals.
- Purchase pre-made designs, ensuring the licenses allow commercial use to avoid copyright issues.
6. Find a Phone Case Supplier
Partnering with suppliers helps minimize investment and risks. Two common approaches include:
- Working with custom phone case manufacturers and fulfilment services.
- Using print-on-demand (POD) services for phone cases.
The first approach requires more effort to manage a smooth operation, while the second allows you to focus entirely on design creation and sales growth. Regardless of the method, choosing a supplier with low-cost production, fast shipping, and advanced printing technology is crucial.
7. Build an Online Store for Mobile Phone Cases
Setting up an online store is essential for showcasing your unique phone cases. Consider these two practical approaches:
Sell on e-commerce Marketplaces
Marketplaces have an existing customer base, and offer features that simplify store setup. This makes them ideal for beginners. Consider these platforms:
- Etsy: Known for handcrafted and unique products.
- Amazon: Amazon is the largest global online marketplace with a vast customer base.
- eBay: The go-to platform for consumers buying phones and accessories.
Although easy to use, these marketplaces have limited customization and marketing options, hindering long-term brand growth.
Create Your Website
If you want more control over your online store and brand presence, consider these platforms:
- Shopify: User-friendly with extensive marketing tools and app integrations for selling custom phone cases.
- WooCommerce: A highly customizable plugin for WordPress, offering complete control over your store.
- Squarespace: Beautiful templates and intuitive design tools for showcasing personalized phone cases.
- Wix Stores: A user-friendly website builder with built-in eCommerce features.
- BigCommerce: A robust platform with advanced customization, built-in marketing tools, and seamless integrations.
- PrestaShop: A free, open-source platform with extensive customization options and a large community for support.
8. Final Thoughts
The phone case business offers excellent potential if approached strategically. Whether you opt for marketplaces or your website, focus on branding, pricing, and marketing to maximize sales and profitability.
Additionally, Hac Ecommerce offers comprehensive services to support and empower POD (Print on Demand) businesses. These services include fulfilment solutions, payment account rentals, and design cloning, all tailored to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs in this niche.
