We all know people who purchase every new iPhone model soon after it launches. People are crazy about smartphones, which increases the demand for similar accessories. Mobile phone cases remain one of the most essential accessories we all need.
The continuous increase in demand shows the best time to start a print-on-demand phone cases business is now. Even when the competition is high due to fewer barriers to entry, there is no limit to using your creativity to produce products your audience will love.
However, starting a print-on-demand phone cases business requires focusing on multiple things. It ranges from selecting your business model to creating/hiring designers for custom designs. Today, we will learn how to customize phone cases and all relevant areas to ensure you establish a profitable custom phone case business.
Why should you start a print-on-demand phone cases business?
A custom print-on-demand phone cases business remains convenient for people wanting to start an eCommerce business. Here are some significant reasons why you should consider the same:
- Low shipping charges: Shipping has become convenient and affordable due to its small size.
- Easy to maintain inventory if you choose a Print-on-Demand business model. Simply create an online store, connect with a reliable dropshipping supplier, and start selling.
- Frequent increase in new models: mobile companies launch new phone models frequently, increasing product production and creativity.
- Trending idea: personalized phone cases will not get an outdated idea anytime soon.
- Easy management: limited return increase due to low chances of cases breaking or damaging ensure easy management.
- Limited upfront investment: suitable for people with a limited budget.
How to find winning customized phone cases online?
Choosing the brands and models remains another area of focus for making and selling mobile cases. To find winning customized phone cases online, start by searching using Google Keyword Planner to identify the demands of specific mobile covers. You can also search through Reddit and Quora to identify the models people talk about.
Find out about the upcoming models people are awaiting. Launch mobile cases accordingly to have an edge over your competitors. Don’t waste time waiting for models to be out before you can start selling.
Now that you know the type of phone cases and mobile device selection, let’s understand the steps you need to start!
How to customize phone case for your online business – 6 Steps
Following the proper steps, you can withstand competition and grow in a competitive domain. Here, we have listed down steps covering every relevant aspect to give you the right start:
Step 1: Research the market to identify specific requirements
Simply copying the current businesses remains a less feasible option for starting your phone case business. Remember that these brands are already thriving with their production and selling strategies. Focus on the following question to have an edge over your competition in the custom phone case business:
Why would people switch from top brands to purchase cases from your store?
To answer this, let’s first understand why customers switch brands. For example, you are selling similar quality and design aesthetic products at a comparatively lower rate. Or you decide to introduce your brand with a big sale on all products. Both ideas will likely work but lower your profit margins.
But do you know that people are willing to spend high if you introduce something they need?
Conduct market research to identify the top-selling phone cases. Focus on the areas they miss out on. Answer the following questions for enhanced understanding:
- Are the current businesses only focusing on the visually appealing aspect rather than protection? (for specific brands)
- Does a specific brand only have dull phone cases available in the market?
- Is there an upcoming model users are awaiting?
- What do the negative reviews say about the available products?
Takeaway tip: Review negative reviews of top-selling phone cases to identify specific requirements you can fulfill.
Step 2: Choosing a suitable business model
People rarely invest thousands of dollars in obtaining printing equipment to start their custom phone case business. There are different methods of sourcing phone cases. Here are the most popular options you can consider:
Searching for a reliable manufacturer
You can easily find a list of phone case manufacturers through platforms like Alibaba. They provide all types of phone cases and cater to your specific requirements.
But you need to purchase in bulk, and the option comes with a Minimum Order Quantity. Many people choose this route and order a few samples before they make bulk purchases.
But what happens if your stock doesn’t clear out?
You always carry a risk of suffering losses when making bulk purchases.
Choosing A Print-On-Demand Service
A print-on-demand service eliminates the major hassle of maintaining inventory and order fulfillment. It’s a risk-free option for people with a limited budget, yet awesome ideas.
POD providers like Qikink make the process smooth by integrating with your eCommerce store. We handle all your orders and ensure delivery within a week. Furthermore, it remains a feasible option when you want to give your designs a test run in the market before bulk production.
Dropshipping custom phone cases
Dropshipping remains a convenient business model when you lack design ideas. You can quickly sell pre-made custom phone cases after building a website. The investment remains limited, and you eliminate the design aspect. However, a dropshipping business model provides low-profit margins and little product control.
Step 3: Designing your custom phone cases – how to design phone cover?
Compelling designs remain crucial for thriving in your customized phone case business. Here, we will see how to design a phone cover.
#1 Hiring freelance designers
A lack of design skills is the only thing stopping you from entering this domain. However, you have plenty of budgets to invest in designing.
You can find designers who can design cases based on your specific details. Fiverr and Upwork are filled with designers you can find according to your budget. Many design communities like Dribble are filled with creative artists waiting to enhance their ideas.
Be clear with your needs; they will create custom phone case designs your target segment will love. However, look for niche-specific designers for better results.
#2 Creating your designs
You can easily create your custom designs using Photoshop. However, you can access free mockup generators by choosing a print-on-demand service.
Use the correct design elements like the color scheme, fonts, and graphics to make the phone cases aesthetically pleasing. Let’s look at some additional tips to help make your custom phone case design process:
- Look for ideas and keep up with the trends
Search for inspirational ideas to inculcate in your designs. Start with the things that strike your passion, personality, and interests. Then, look for the already existing and upcoming trends.
For example, people went crazy for the crime thriller Money Heist. Many phone case businesses took advantage of the trend and created similar cases for fans.
- Use Colors That Invoke Emotions
How often have you rejected a product of excellent quality due to a lack of color options?
We all reject products when we fail to find colors that resonate with us. Remember that people’s buying decisions vary greatly based on product color schemes.
Choosing colors customers can connect with ensures you create personalized cases. Therefore, all your mobile case designs must connect with your target segment’s style and taste.
We all reject products when we fail to find colors that resonate with us. Remember that people’s buying decisions vary greatly based on the color schemes used in products.
- Experiment With Fonts
People are particular regarding fonts on the items they use. The font gives the added personality feature required to complete the buying process. Many businesses increase their sales by sending cases with motivational quotes. Choose fonts that capture instant attention and fit the chosen color scheme nicely.
- Use High-Quality Images
Make sure the images you choose are neat and provide a clear look. No one likes going through tacky photos. Furthermore, high-quality images often impact buyers and motivate them to take action.
- Create Simplistic Designs
We know you must have a lot of ideas in your mind. But you must focus on keeping your designs less congested. Work on creating simple yet compelling designs for your customers.
Step 4: Establish your brand identity
Select a brand name and logo if you are ready to design and sell unique custom phone cases. It will help your customer recognize you without much effort. You can easily find free and paid tools to help you create compelling logos. Make sure you start off with an authentic presence to establish your brand identity.
Pricing remains another factor that determines your brand identity. For instance, do you want to be the seller providing high-quality products at a competitive price? Or you plan on selling affordable yet visually compelling items. Remember to have a decent price covering a sufficient profit margin if you are confident with your designs. Sudden price hikes once your designs start selling tremendously will drastically impact sales.
Step 5: Create an online store to sell print-on-demand phone cases
Use a platform like Shopify or WooCommerce to create your own eCommerce store. You only need to answer a few questions to create a functioning store in no time. Most of these platforms provide a free 14-day trial to ensure you can make payments once you are satisfied with the functionality.
Make it a point to start your business by focusing on your website before shifting to marketplaces. Use social media to promote your newly established custom phone case business. Keep designing, uploading, and promoting your creations till you grow to some extent.
Step-6: Use various channels to market your business
It’s time to focus on a solid marketing strategy once you have successfully created your online store and your designs are ready. Here are some channels you must focus on:
- SEM: most people search for products like phone cases on search engines like Google. A solid search engine marketing strategy ensures your products resonate with the audiences’ demands. Either go for SEO to get organic ranking or use paid ads to improve your sales quickly.
- Influencer marketing remains effective as influencers have a well-established audience. People will likely listen to them and purchase the items. Look for niche-specific influencers with a small, yet engaging audience.
Wrapping Up
Don’t let yourself get intimidated by the ever-rising competition in the phone case business. Get inspiration from top brands to create designs that stand out. Remember that a Print-on-Demand business remains a safe choice if the only thing that scares you is the increased investment. Start slow and keep enhancing your tactics to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the guide on customizing phone cases and selling them online?
The guide on customizing phone cases and selling them online focuses on helping readers start and grow a successful business. It provides step-by-step instructions and creative ideas for custom phone case enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, stay-at-home parents, and students.
How would you describe the target audience for this guide?
Readers can expect to learn how to choose the right business model, create appealing designs, and market their products to the right audience. Additionally, they can learn how to set up an online store, handle customer orders and payments, and manage their business finances.
What can readers anticipate learning from the guide's step-by-step instructions?
Through the step-by-step instructions provided in the guide, readers can learn a clear and concise way of starting a customized phone case business online.
Could you give a glimpse of the creative ideas suggested in the guide for custom phone cases?
The guide suggests creative ideas such as using personal photos, adding inspiring quotes, using trendy patterns, and creating designs for special occasions. It also suggests using different techniques such as painting, drawing, or using digital tools.
Why is selling customized phone cases online considered a viable business opportunity?
Customized phone cases offer a viable business opportunity due to the growing demand for personalized products in the market. Entrepreneurs can start a low-cost business with low overhead costs and reach a global audience through online platforms.
With over 6+ years of experience in the industry, Ayushi excels in building strong customer relationships and guiding clients toward growth as a Brand Partnership Manager. She enjoys sharing her experience in her content.
