Do you know the number of smartphones on the market? For example, in 2019, more than 1.3 billion units have been shipped. And having a smartphone means that there is a lot of demand for smartphone cases.
Recently, the number of people who dislike the same smartphone cases as others is increasing, and the demand for original smartphone cases is increasing. However, where to look for it and how to make it is another story. In this article, I will explain how you can make your own smartphone case with an original design and even sell it.
By the way, creating a business that manufactures and sells original smartphone cases brings various benefits as follows.
- The small size makes inventory storage and product delivery easy
- Manufacturing cost is relatively low
- Available for sale at online shops and stores
- You can start low risk with on-demand printing, or get higher profits by buying in bulk
- It is said that 44% of smartphone owners change models every two years, so every time a new model comes out, a new sales opportunity can be created.
However, it is important to keep in mind that a business with low barriers to entry is as competitive as any other market. But to be successful, you only need to gain a small share of this huge market.
From here, we will answer the following general questions that may arise when starting the smartphone case business.
- What kind of smartphone cases are on the market?
- Where can I get the design of the smartphone case?
- What kind of smartphone case or design will be popular?
- Where can I sell my smartphone case?
If you think that selling a smartphone case is a good business idea, but you don’t know where to start, please refer to the following.
Table of Contents
Original Smartphone Case Manufacturing And Sales Method
Before you start making your own case, there are a few things you need to know, such as the type of case, the types of models you support, and how to design the case.
Case Type
Some smartphone cases have excellent functionality and impact resistance, while others emphasize design and fit into the smartphone like a film rather than a case.
The choices are quite diverse, but here are the most popular types.
Slim Gel-Type Case
A thin slim case that can be designed to stand out. Generally, a silicone gel material such as rubber that is flexible and non-slip is used.
The slim case is the cheapest type of case that you can customize to your liking. This type is especially suitable for printing designs on-demand (more on this later).
Bumper Case
Unlike slim cases, bumper cases often cover only the sides or edges of smartphones. Most of them are made from harder impact-resistant materials, which protect your important smartphone from impacts and scratches when dropped.
Bumper cases range from minimalist designs that cover only the edges to those with additional scratch-proof details.
Folio/Wallet Case
A folio case is a type of case that folds the cover forward to protect the screen from dust and scratches. Therefore, your smartphone may look like a small notebook.
Some types have a wallet function that can store cash and credit cards, and some have a stand that can be used as a support.
In general, leather-like materials are often used for this type of case, and most of them are more expensive than slim cases. However, for users, the impression that it is more functional seems to be stronger.
Tough Case Cases
Many people seem to think of the smartphone case as a tool to protect expensive equipment rather than a design accessory.
The sturdy construction of the tough case is heavier, but it provides exceptional safety for the user.
When writing a product description for a tough case, it is important to give the customer a sense of security by carefully considering all the characteristics, from drop test results to water resistance.
Battery Case
Recently, battery capacity has become a major issue for all types of smartphones.
Battery cases are often more expensive than other types of cases, but they are also more practical. When you think “I should have changed it a little more”, you will be able to realize its excellent effect.
The battery case not only protects your smartphone from shocks but also charges it when needed. Therefore, it will be a very convenient accessory for models with insufficient charging capacity.
Selection Of Terminals To Focus On
In addition to choosing the type of case as described above, you also need to choose which model of which company to support.
For example, in Japan, the share of the iPhone is unusually high in the world. This is because when it comes to doing business, by selling not only the iPhone but also the case of the Android device, which has a slightly lower market share, the pie may be small but relatively easy to sell.
At that time, you can also do a basic keyword survey with Google Keyword Planner or KWFinder and find out how much demand there is for that model from the search volume for that model. If you plan to sell using Google Ads, it’s well worth investigating this in advance.
Case Design Request Destination
The excellent design of the smartphone case is one of the biggest differentiators. This is especially true if you are selling slim cases.
Design communities such as Dribbble are a great place to find a designer you like, depending on your design. And if you’re looking for a cost-effective design, we recommend the site Fiverr. In any case, try to identify and search for a designer who specializes in custom designing smartphone cases.
You can also use tools such as Photoshop and Photopea to prototype your own designs. In addition, Caseapp and Printful are a number of on-demand printing companies to provide such, so it would be good to try using a “smartphone case prototype generator”.
Note: Some printers may not be able to print on the side of the case. Many vendors only print on the back, so be careful during the design phase and when looking for a vendor.
Also, don’t stick to just one design proposal, ask for a few different designs and get early feedback.
- Post your own design on image-centric social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and use their engagement (likes, shares, comments, etc.) as an indicator of your interest level. To find out more popular designs, you can spend money to promote to a wider and more relevant audience.
- Ask your friends and family for their opinions.
In addition, you can approach the niche market not only by the model of the smartphone case but also by the design. Accessories such as smartphone cases are a tool for self-revealing for many people, so there is a certain demand for niche designs.
How To Make a Smartphone Case
Once you have a design you like, the next step is to make it happen. Other than investing in expensive printing presses, there are three options for making a smartphone case.
Use On-Demand Print Service
Print and Canvas are examples of companies that print designs on smartphone cases. Profit margins are slightly lower with these services, but you don’t have to hold inventory or place large orders because you don’t have to carry out delivery or inventory operations. And above all, it is also attractive that it is manufactured from scratch.
If you want to sell your smartphone case in your own Shopify store, you can integrate your on-demand service into your online shop to take care of fulfilling orders and customer support. That way, you only have to focus on increasing sales.
Whether it’s a T-shirt, mug, or smartphone case, it’s not so easy to create a design that people will love. With these on-demand printing services, you can experiment with different design ideas without taking risks, especially in slim cases.
Find a Manufacturer
Finding a manufacturer to work with is important for maximizing profits.
Alibaba provides a list of Chinese manufacturers that manufacture all kinds of smartphone cases, from slim cases and folio cases to battery cases.
If you need to buy the minimum order quantity (usually in the range of 10 to 200 or more) in bulk, but the cost per unit is only about $ 1, we will give you a favorable price and per sales. You will be able to make a profit.
You can also partner with a local manufacturer to get the attention of consumers who want to support their business in their country. Either way, be sure to ask for a sample first before
Making a Bulk Purchase.
It’s also worth noting that you don’t necessarily have to have inventory on hand to increase sales. Sales can be used as an indicator to decide which case to actually order. By doing so, you can avoid the situation where a large number of unsold cases remain at hand.
Since the inventory of smartphone cases does not take up a lot of space, we recommend that you rent a cart or event space in a busy shopping center for face-to-face sales if you are confident that you can sell it.
Dropshipping Of Existing Smartphone Cases
One idea is to use a drop shipping model instead of manufacturing the original case. All you have to do in this form is to launch a website and make a sale.
The disadvantages of this sales model are the difficulty of managing products and the low-profit margin. However, in exchange, you no longer have to do product-related, shipping, or fulfillment operations.
Sale Of Smartphone Cases At Online Shops
Now that you know the details of the market, products, and supply chain for smartphone cases, let’s think about how to sell them.
Marketplaces such as Etsy and Amazon are great places to list your products, but why not start an online shop, build your own brand, expand your marketing efforts, and build a long-term business? If you wish, you can also sell face-to-face using the POS system in a small sales space.
When it comes to marketing, here are some channels and techniques to try and the resources to implement them.
- Search Engine Marketing: Search engine marketing is a very effective way to reach people who are looking for a particular smartphone case. There is a purchasing intention behind the user’s product search. Therefore, by making full use of search engine marketing, you will be able to secure the clicks required to reach the case of the model you support. This technique can be done by natural search using SEO (Search Engine Optimization) or by paying for Google Ads.
- Facebook Ads: In order to target a specific group and market your original design, it is effective to use Facebook ads to promote people with similar characteristics.
- Instagram Marketing: Instagram is an image-focused platform, so it’s a great place to show off your design. It also has a paid advertising option function, so please use it as needed.
- Influencer Marketing: By partnering with influencers such as micro-influencers, YouTubers, Instagrammers, etc., you can use their influence to gain an audience and introduce your original smartphone case to more people. It will be possible.
When writing a product description, try to describe as much detail as possible, and try to clearly convey what is the biggest selling point.
Detailed explanations of the product, such as materials, water resistance, and drop test videos, will greatly help to make the product look more attractive than the design.
Are You Ready To Start The Original Smartphone Case Business?
When you start a smartphone case business, be careful not to get stuck in the competition. As with any competitive market, try to reach the right niche market and focus on introducing your product to your customers.
Over time, you’ll gradually discover popular designs, case types, and how to procure them to increase your profit margins. It’s no longer a dream to double the sales of original products once you reach that point.
Also Read : About Facebook Shop: Introducing An Online Shop That Can Be Customized On Facebook And Instagram
