How To Make Phone Cases And Start Selling Online

If you know how to make custom phone cases, you can design more than just an accessory. You’re building a brand that reflects style, creativity, and personality.

Moreover, with the rise of online shopping, your designs can reach buyers across the globe. 

Custom phone cases are easy to design, simple to sell, and fun to create. With the right tools, you can create your own phone case and start earning.

In this guide, we’ll show you detailed steps on how to make phone cases that customers love. Yes, you can begin your phone case DIY journey today, even if you’re a beginner.

Is the Phone Case Business Profitable?

Making and selling phone cases can be very profitable. Indeed, the global phone case market is huge and growing fast: 

• It was worth $25.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit $44.5 billion by 2033
• That’s a growth rate of 5.64% every year

Why is this space growing so fast? Because people love personalizing their phones and protecting them.

There are now 6.37 billion smartphone users in the world. That’s 80% of the global population. Each year, over one billion plastic phone cases are sold to meet demand.

For creators, that’s a big market. And you don’t need to be a tech expert to tap into it. You can now make a phone case design, launch a store, and start selling — all online.

Here’s why a phone case business is a great choice:

• High Margins: Custom cases often sell for $20-$35, with costs as low as $5. You can earn $10–$20 profit per sale.
• Low Startup Costs: You don’t need to buy stock upfront. Just start with designs and a print-on-demand (POD) platform.
• Popular Gift Item: Everyone owns a phone, and many want a case that fits their style. This makes them great for birthdays and special moments.
• Easy to Scale: With a POD platform, you can find & use new designs or models without large upfront costs. Just upload your art and start selling in minutes.
• Repeat Business Potential: Phones get dropped, and styles change often. Customers return for case replacements or fresh, creative designs.

You can even learn how to make phone cases with pictures. This is perfect for photographers or pet lovers.

If you make phone cases with highly unique designs, you can sell over 100 cases a month. Smart sellers can even make anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. 

The key is finding designs people will love and knowing who you want to sell to. Want to start a phone case shop, build a brand, or just sell for fun? You’ve got the tools, and there are plenty of people ready to buy.

Also Read: 

• Unlocking Profit Potential: How Much Money Can Custom Phone Cases Make? 
• How To Make Phone Cases & Start Selling Them 

Types of Phone Cases 

Before exploring how to make phone cases, you need to know what types of phone people actually buy. Each style has its own feel, function, and audience. Some shoppers want protection, while others want personality.

Here are the most common types of phone cases you can design and sell.

Tough Phone Cases

Tough, heavy-duty cases are made with shock-absorbing materials. These include polycarbonate, TPU, and reinforced rubber. 

They protect phones from drops, bumps, and harsh outdoor use. In fact, these cases offer the best drop protection. 

Their features include: 

• Long lasting durability
• Raised edges for screen protection
• Dual-layer structure

Heavy-duty cases appeal to people like sports persons, hikers with active jobs or lifestyles. If you’re planning to create phone cases for rough & tough use, this is a solid niche.

Clear Phone Cases

Clear phone cases are slim, simple, and popular with minimalists. Most are made from transparent TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or soft silicone.

These cases are flexible and smooth to the touch. They offer basic protection while showing off the phone’s original look. 

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Clear cases are popular with users who want:

• Minimal design
• Scratch resistance
• Custom prints over a transparent base

These are great if you’re targeting younger shoppers or casual gift buyers.

Silicone or Gel Cases

Soft, colorful, and easy to grip, silicone cases are a go-to for everyday users. Their flexible material makes installation and removal very easy.

Other than a comfortable grip and moderate drop protection, benefits include: 

• Slim profile
• Affordable price
• Countless colors and styles

Budget-conscious customers often choose silicone cases first. They’re perfect for everyday use and casual protection needs.

Leather or Faux Leather Cases

Genuine and synthetic leather cases are perfect for an elegant and classic look. They offer sophisticated looks for business meetings and formal events. 

These types of cases appeal to professionals. They feature: 

• Durable stitching and lined interiors
• Rich, textured finishes in classic shades
• Optional monogramming for a luxury feel

Premium leather cases, particularly custom phone cases, justify higher prices and profit margins.

Wallet Cases

Wallet cases are utility cases that come with card slots to hold cards, cash, and other small items. Many include magnetic closures and kickstand features for convenience.

These multi-functional cases are ideal for: 

• Users who prefer minimalism (over carrying traditional wallets) 
• Lifestyle, travel, and business-focused niches

They’re great for people who want to combine function with style in a single product.

Flip Phone Cases

Flip cases open like a book, protecting both the front and back of a phone. Some users love them for screen protection and added privacy.

Common features include: 

• Magnetic or snap closures for secure fit
• Viewing windows for notifications and calls

These cases are popular in professional environments where discretion matters.

Magnetic and Stick-On Cases

Magnetic cases blend sleek design with functionality. MagSafe cases, for instance, work with Apple’s magnetic charging and accessory system.

Some of the benefits of these cases include: 

• Slim build with strong closure points
• Compatibility with wireless charging (check specs)
• Embedded magnetic plates for mount compatibility

These cases are useful for travel and commuting. They’re perfect for users who value seamless access and multi-use convenience.

Other Niche Types

Some customers want eco-friendly or handcrafted materials. Specialty materials create unique market opportunities for creative sellers.

Here are some creative and trending niche options: 

• Wooden Cases: Stylish, earthy, and great for engraved logos and designs

• Biodegradable Cases: Made from plant material (wheat straw or bamboo fiber)

• Metal Hybrid Cases: Durable and tech-inspired, but heavier

• Puffy Cases: Playful, trendy, and eye-catching 3D-printed cases

These can be ideal for tapping into unique audiences or gift buyers. Explore each option as you decide how to make phone cases to sell that stand out.

Also Read: 

• Creative Phone Case Design Ideas to Spark Your Inspiration 
• Easy Things To Make and Sell From Home for Profit 

How to Start a Phone Case Business

Starting a phone case business is simpler than it seems. With the right plan and platform, you can create phone cases and start selling online.

Step 1: Identify Your Target Audience And Niche

Before you create anything, decide who you want to sell to. Do you want to serve gamers, professionals, pet lovers, or music fans? Your designs should match their style, needs, or hobbies.

Check social media and online forums for ideas. Look at competitor reviews to find gaps. The clearer your niche, the easier it is to stand out from the competition.

Step 2: Choose A Business Model: Print-On-Demand vs. Bulk

You have two main options when learning how to make phone cases to sell. You can either buy and store cases yourself (bulk) or use print-on-demand services.

With POD, you only create and ship when someone buys — no storage or stock costs. Platforms like Podbase help you create your own phone case designs and fulfill orders automatically.

Step 3: Design Your Phone Cases

Create designs that match your target audience's interests. You can use photos, text, art, or patterns. Make sure the designs are clear and eye-catching for the best results.

Tools like Canva or Photoshop make it easy. Podbase even has a mockup generator for previews. You can also try phone case DIY tools online for simple designs.

Step 4: Select a Reliable Supplier or POD Platform

Not all suppliers offer the same quality or phone model range, so choose wisely. Look for crisp print quality, broad model support, and fast fulfillment. Additionally, read reviews from other sellers before making a decision.

Podbase is an excellent option because it supports Google, Xiaomi, and OnePlus models. This is in addition to iPhone and Samsung cases. 

Step 5: Build an Online Store

You’ll need a website where people can browse and buy your phone cases. Keep the site clean, responsive, and easy to use. You want to ensure it looks professional and feels trustworthy.

Good photos and simple copy help build trust. Meanwhile, fast loading times help customers stay interested. Consider platforms like Podbase, which integrates easily with Shopify and other ecommerce platforms.

Step 6: Set Up Pricing and Profit Margins

Find the right balance between costs and profit. Research competitor prices before setting your own rates. Factor in advertising costs, design time, shipping, and platform fees. 

A good starting point is to aim for $10–$20 profit per case sold. POD lets you avoid production fees and focus on markup.

Define your margins early so you can scale fast.

Step 7: Launch And Promote Your Business

Once your store is live, start telling people about it. Use social media, blogs, emails, and search tools like Google to help more people find your shop.

You can also partner with creators or offer discounts to early buyers. Consistent branding helps customers remember you and come back for more. The better your visuals and branding, the more your phone case business will grow.

Also Read: 

• Phone Case Business Names to Inspire Your Brand 
• Unique Business Ideas You Can Start This Year 

Tips for Designing Your Custom Phone Cases

Design is what sets your phone cases apart. Whether you’re using a POD service or working with a phone case manufacturer, good design sells. 

Here’s how to make custom phone cases that people love and want to buy.

Tip 1: Keep Designs Simple, Clear, and Bold

Busy & cluttered designs can confuse buyers. Simple designs look better on small phone cases.

Stick to clean lines, bold colors, and clear, easy-to-read text or prints. Avoid tiny details that disappear when printed.

Image via Beysis

In fact, if you want to add text, keep it short and away from the edges. Always use high-resolution files, as low-quality images will blur when printed.

Also, try to keep your design in the center — it helps everything line up better on different phone models.

Tip 2: Match Your Design To Your Audience

Always design for the people who will buy your cases, not your own taste. Think about what your audience likes, watches, and shares online. This helps you create phone cases that feel personal and relevant.

Teens love bold colors and trending memes. Nature lovers prefer soft tones and scenic prints. Keep an eye on social media for trending topics and memes. This allows you to update designs regularly to stay current and sell more cases quickly. 

Tip 3: Test Your Designs Before Launch

What works on a clear phone case may not work on a leather wallet case. So, try your designs on several styles, colors, and mockups before you go live. You could even design related cases that work together as sets or limited edition collections.

Image via Snapfish

You can use POD platforms like Podbase to preview how each case will look when printed. Ordering a test product before launch is a smart move for quality control. Check for print quality, alignment, and durability. Testing saves time and builds trust with buyers. 

Also Read: 

• Best Print-on-Demand Sites for Artists to Sell Online 
• Podbase vs Printify: Guide for Entrepreneurs 

How to Start Selling Phone Cases

Once your designs are ready, it’s time to start selling. Thanks to print-on-demand, you don’t need to stock inventory or handle shipping. You can start small, test ideas, and grow fast.

Here’s how to launch your phone case shop the smart way:

1. Choose the Right Sales Platform

Pick a platform where your customers already shop or spend time. You can sell through social media or ecommerce sites, provided they fit your goals and budget. 

Different platforms offer different benefits for phone case sellers: 

• Shopify: Full control and professional branding options
• Etsy: Built-in audience for handmade and custom items
• Amazon: Massive customer base, but more competition
• Instagram and Facebook: Built-in shops for direct selling

With a POD service like Podbase, you can connect your designs directly to your online store. This makes it easy to sell print-on-demand phone cases without manual setup.

2. Connect with a POD Service

Using a POD partner means no need to manage inventory, packaging, or printing. You upload your design,  they print, pack, and ship after each order.

Select a platform that offers wide device compatibility and quality printing.

Podbase supports all major phone models, including iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, and OnePlus devices. Most other providers skip these popular Android models entirely.

Look for platforms with fast shipping and good customer support. Integration with ecommerce stores like Shopify makes management easier. Quality control ensures your customers receive products they’ll love.

3. Set Up Your Storefront for Success

When selling online, first impressions matter. Your store should be clean, fast, and easy to use.

Here’s how to ensure your store feels polished:

• Add lifestyle photos to help buyers imagine using your case
• Include size guides and material information for transparency
• Write clear product titles and short, benefit-focused descriptions
• Group designs into categories to help shoppers find what they love
• Use high-quality mockups that show your design on actual phone models
• Keep your branding consistent across your store, social media, and packaging

You want to use relevant keywords naturally throughout your product titles and descriptions. Even if you’re just starting, these basics build trust with new customers.

4. Price Your Phone Cases Competitively 

Pricing affects profit and buyer trust. To succeed, your pricing must cover costs and leave room for earnings.

Be sure to research competitor prices before setting your own rates. Then, factor in all costs when calculating profit margins, including:

• POD service fees
• Case material costs
• Shipping fees
• Platform fees
• Marketing expenses

Most sellers price cases between $20 and $35, depending on style and market. You can earn $10-$20 per sale after costs, especially if selling to a focused niche.

Start with competitive prices to gain initial customers and reviews. You can increase prices once you establish a brand reputation.

5. Promote Your Phone Case Business

Marketing helps you reach buyers. Once your store is live, drive traffic to it with smart promotion. You can try: 

• Sharing case drops and mockups on Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok 
• Reaching out to micro-influencers for user-generated content (UGC)
• Running targeted ads to people who recently bought new phones
• Using SEO to boost web traffic 

Once you learn how to make custom phone cases that stand out, get started with marketing. You don’t need a big budget to start. Just stay consistent and keep improving your store.

Also Read: 

• How to Make Money on Etsy: Pro Tips for Sellers 
• Smart Ways to Make Money From Your Phone 

Summary

Learning how to make phone cases is a smart way to start an online business. And with the right tools, niche, and strategy, anyone can start selling custom cases online. 

The best part? No experience is needed. Just stay active on social media to know what’s trending with the audience and design cases that attract attention.

Consider using Podbase to create custom designs and sell them without handling inventory. Want to make phone cases with pictures or build a full phone case shop? The platform completely simplifies the process.

Create designs your customers love, price them accordingly, and start selling. 

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