How to Start a Phone Case Business from Zero

Smartphones are everywhere, and so are phone cases.

In 2025, there are around 4.88 billion smartphone users worldwide.

And many of them are looking for cases that are unique, stylish, and personal.

If you're looking for a business with low start-up costs and flexible work hours, a phone case shop is a great place to begin. .

With home UV printer become more accessible , now you can make custom phone case at home.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about phone case business. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to launch your own phone case business.

Step 1: Identify Your Target Niche

Before making any product, you need to think about what type of phone cases to offer. Your niche defines your audience, design style, and product focus.

Many sellers start with iPhone cases because they are popular. But competition is fierce.

Niche or less common models can be more profitable because fewer sellers provide options. And customers are often willing to pay more for something hard to find.

Here are some examples:

Tips for choosing a niche:

• Start with a mix: one popular model and one niche model

• Consider what kind of designs appeal to that audience (minimalist, anime, gaming, etc.)

• Analyze competitors and see what's missing in the market

Image: Cristina Ong

Step 2: Create a Business Plan (It's Not as Boring as It Sounds)

Okay, you don't need a 50-page corporate document, but you do need a game plan.

First, let's talk Budget. What do you need to spend?

• Equipment: This is your big ticket item. You need a solid UV printer. We recommend something like the eufyMake E1. It's perfect for home businesses, fits on a desk, and doesn't cost the price of a luxury car.

• Inventory: Start with maybe $200-$300 worth of blank cases.

• Website/Fees: A little cash for your Shopify subscription or Etsy listing fees.

Step 3: Design Phone Cases That Customers Love

Now for the fun part! Your designs are the heart of your brand. A strong design style helps you stand out from competitors and attract loyal fans.

Many beginners make the mistake of trying to sell "everything to everyone."

To succeed, you need to understand the different types of cases and how to customize them to fit specific customer needs.

Materials You Will Work With

Material choice affects printing quality, design options, and pricing. Here's a practical guide:

Tip: Hard plastic is the most reliable material for UV printing because soft TPU or silicone doesn't bond well with UV ink. This is a key insight many beginners overlook.

Step 4: Marketing and Selling Your Phone Cases

Marketing is how you get your designs in front of the right people.

Today, having an online presence is essential, but selling doesn't have to be only online.

You can reach customers at local craft fairs, pop-up markets, or small boutique stores as well as through e-commerce sites.

If you want ideas for where to sell handmade items, check our earlier guide.

Building an Online Store

Choose a platform that matches your budget and technical comfort. Etsy works well if your cases are handmade or custom, while Shopify gives you more control over your brand and customer experience. Amazon can reach a wider audience but comes with more competition.

Leveraging Social Media and Influencers

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are perfect for showing off your designs. Working with influencers who have small but engaged followings can help your cases reach the right audience faster.

Step 5: Scaling Your Phone Case Business

Once orders start flowing, it is time to grow. Growth means improving processes, expanding your product range, and upgrading equipment when needed. High-quality customer service is key. Happy buyers recommend your brand and come back for more.

Managing Orders and Customer Service

Use order management tools to track production and shipping. Respond quickly to inquiries to build trust and encourage positive reviews.

Expanding Your Product Range

Once your core cases are selling, consider adding related products like tablet cases, laptop sleeves, pop sockets, or other tech accessories. Offering a wider range increases customer lifetime value.

Investing in Better Equipment

As demand grows, upgrading to higher-capacity UV printers can improve speed, print consistency, and allow more complex designs.

Phone Case Ideas to Inspire Your Products

When you're ready to design your first collection, it helps to understand what kinds of cases people love buying.

Photo Phone Cases

These are always in demand because they're personal. People love pet photos, couple photos, travel memories, newborn photos, and meaningful candid moments. A clear TPU case with a UV-printed photo looks modern and clean.

Texture Phone Cases

Raised UV texture, leather surface, grain patterns, sand-feel coatings - these create a tactile experience. Many buyers choose a case simply because they like how it feels in their hand. A matte TPU case with a soft-sand finish can feel surprisingly premium even with simple designs.

3D-Style Phone Cases

If you ever want to push beyond flat prints, you can add raised resin patterns, silicone decorations, or small 3D-printed details. Think small geometric patterns, tiny hearts, or bold sculpted shapes. These don't need to be complicated. Even a slightly raised pattern can make your design feel custom-made.

What Problem You may Meet (And How You Can Avoid It)

Problem 1: Ordering too many blank cases.

Most beginners buy in bulk to "reduce cost," then get stuck with slow-selling colors or models.

Solution: Start with small batches or use suppliers that offer mixed-model bundles.

Problem 2: Wrong material for the printing method.

Some TPU cases warp under heat if you're doing prep work, and some matte PC cases absorb ink unevenly.

Solution: Order sample packs and test print everything before offering it to customers.

Problem 3: Not checking model variations.

The same "model name" often has multiple versions (5G, Plus, Pro, Ultra).

Solution: Double-check SKU using the official model code, not just the name.

Problem 4: Underestimating niche value.

Most new sellers chase iPhone customers. Experienced sellers know real profit often sits in people with "unpopular phones" who still want personalization.

Solution: Offer a mix: the trendy models and a few niche gems.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

Look, starting a phone case business isn't a "get rich quick" cheat code. It takes an eye for detail and you've got to be willing to learn the machinery.

But the math is pretty undeniable. A high-quality blank case costs about $2. Ink costs pennies.

If you can use a machine like the eufyMake E1 to add unique, textured value to that $2 blank, you can sell it for $30. That margin is hard to beat in any other physical product business.

The key is to respect the product. Don't just sell plastic; sell art, protection, and identity. Do that, and you won't just have customers-you'll have fans!