Selling phone cases online has become one of the most accessible business opportunities for new and experienced entrepreneurs alike. Phone cases are small, lightweight, inexpensive to ship, and in constant demand. They are both functional and fashionable, making them attractive to a wide customer base.
With smartphone ownership rates exceeding 90 per cent and frequent upgrades driving ongoing purchases, the market for phone cases is steady. The barriers to entry are relatively low compared to other industries, meaning you can start small, test the market, and scale gradually.
This guide will walk you through how to sell phone cases online, from identifying your market and sourcing products to pricing, marketing, and scaling operations.
Why the Phone Case Market Still Works
Phone cases remain a profitable product category because they are both a necessity and a personal style choice. Research shows that millions of accessories are sold each year, with protective cases making up one of the largest segments.
The demand is driven by several factors:
- Frequent upgrades: New device launches every year create a constant need for compatible accessories.
- Protection: Phones are expensive, and most owners prefer to safeguard them against damage.
- Personalisation: Cases are a way for customers to express identity, often owning more than one to suit different occasions.
E-commerce is a major contributor to this growth. Online stores now account for more than half of accessory sales, with protective cases enjoying strong year-round demand. For anyone interested in how to sell phone cases online, the opportunity is clear.
Is a Phone Case Business Profitable?
A phone case business can be highly profitable if structured properly. A basic case might cost five dollars wholesale yet sell for twenty to thirty dollars at retail. Premium models, such as rugged or leather cases, often command fifty dollars or more.
The average profit margin ranges from 40 to 70 per cent, depending on sourcing, pricing, and marketing approach. Margins can be lifted further through bundling. For example, selling a case with a screen protector or grip increases order value and improves customer satisfaction.
The most common pitfall for new sellers is miscalculating costs. GST, packaging, delivery, and platform fees all need to be factored in. With careful planning and accurate pricing, this business can generate sustainable profits.
Choose Your Business Model
The best way to sell phone cases depends on your goals and resources.
Retail Brand
Launching your own store gives complete control over branding, pricing, and customer relationships. It requires investment in design, marketing, and customer service but builds long-term value.
Marketplace Seller
Selling on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy gives immediate access to a large customer base. It is an excellent option for testing products quickly, though fees apply and branding opportunities are limited.
B2B Supplier
Some entrepreneurs choose to sell in bulk to retailers and phone repair shops. This model provides consistent revenue and fewer customer management tasks, but requires dependable sourcing and competitive pricing.
Inventory and Fulfilment Options
- Stock on hand for quick delivery and control.
- Print on demand for unique designs without upfront investment.
- Third-party logistics (3PL) to handle storage and shipping when scaling.
If you are considering expanding into physical retail, our detailed guide on how to open a mobile phone shop provides insights on how to integrate both models effectively.
How to Sell Phone Cases Online: Find Your Niche
In a competitive market, a clear niche helps you stand out.
Define Your Audience
- Tradies who want rugged protection.
- Parents looking for child-safe durability.
- Gamers who enjoy themed or character designs.
- Professionals who prefer sleek leather or wallet styles.
Spot Market Gaps
Most sellers focus heavily on iPhone and Samsung models. Opportunities exist in foldables, tablets, and mid-range devices, which often lack variety.
Decide Your Brand Angle
You could emphasise eco-friendly materials, minimalist aesthetics, fashion-led collaborations, or premium protective technology. A strong position makes marketing easier and more effective.
Select the Right Case Types
Different types of phone cases appeal to different customer groups:
- Slim gel and clear cases for affordability and everyday use.
- Rugged and bumper cases for customers who prioritise protection.
- Wallet and folio cases for professionals seeking functionality.
- Battery and magnetic cases for tech-focused buyers.
Offering a mix of case types allows you to appeal to multiple audiences. Bundling extras such as grips or tempered glass adds value while increasing order size.
Pick Device Coverage That Sells
Covering every phone model at launch spreads your resources too thin. A smarter approach is to focus on the most popular devices.
- iPhone consistently leads the accessory market.
- Samsung Galaxy S and A series appeal across price ranges.
- Google Pixel is growing steadily.
- Foldables are an emerging but promising segment.
Start with these and expand once sales data identifies new opportunities.
Source Your Phone Cases
Your sourcing decision is one of the most important aspects of running this business. Each option has advantages and drawbacks.
Wholesale Suppliers
Wholesale suppliers provide broad product choice, stable pricing, and quick restocking. This makes it easier to cover popular models and adapt quickly when trends change. The main limitation is that designs are not exclusive, as wholesalers serve multiple retailers.
Print on Demand
This option allows you to offer custom designs without holding stock. It reduces upfront risk but comes with slower fulfilment times and higher per-unit costs, which can impact customer satisfaction.
Direct Manufacturing
Working directly with manufacturers provides control over design and quality, and lowers costs at higher volumes. However, it requires large minimum orders, longer lead times, and careful quality assurance, making it less suitable for new sellers.
Hybrid Sourcing
A hybrid approach mixes wholesale for staple items with small runs of print on demand or manufactured designs. This balances stability with flexibility but requires careful coordination of supply chains.
Each method can work, but wholesale remains the most dependable option for building a sustainable business. It offers consistent supply, manageable margins, and faster delivery times, making it a strong foundation for anyone serious about learning how to sell phone cases online.
Price for Profit
Getting pricing right is crucial.
- Include all costs such as GST, packaging, delivery, and platform fees.
- Research competitor pricing to ensure your offers are competitive.
- Use bundles and promotions to raise average order value.
For instance, a discounted bundle of a case and tempered glass protector provides value to customers and helps protect your margins.
Cover Business Essentials
Before trading, make sure your business is structured correctly.
- Register a business name and ABN.
- If turnover exceeds the threshold, register for GST.
- Provide returns and warranties in line with consumer law.
- Ensure claims such as “eco-friendly” or “shockproof” are accurate and supported.
For anyone asking how to set up a phone case business, these legal and administrative steps form the foundation.
Design Cases Customers Want
Design is one of the strongest selling points.
Data-Led Design Choices
Base your range on search trends, reviews, and competitor analysis. For example, demand for clear MagSafe-compatible cases has grown significantly.
Designer Collaborations
Partner with artists or influencers to launch exclusive collections. These not only boost visibility but also help build a loyal community.
Quality Checks
Ensure cases are durable, fit accurately, and maintain usability. Consistency in quality builds trust and encourages repeat purchases.
Build Your Online Store
Your online store is the core of your business. A well-designed site attracts visitors, builds trust, and converts them into paying customers.
Choosing the Right Platform
- Shopify is user-friendly and handles hosting, payments, and apps in one place.
- WooCommerce works best if you already use WordPress and want more flexibility.
- Etsy suits creative, customised designs.
- Amazon provides huge visibility but limits branding and charges fees.
For long-term growth, an independent store is often best, with marketplaces used as supporting channels.
Creating High-Converting Product Pages
Product pages must reassure buyers and make checkout simple:
- Use descriptive titles (e.g. “iPhone 14 Pro Shockproof Clear Case”).
- Add clear, high-quality images from multiple angles.
- Provide compatibility charts to reduce returns.
- Write descriptions that highlight benefits, not just features.
- Place clear “Add to Cart” or “Buy Now” buttons.
Payments, Shipping, and Returns
Customers expect convenient, transparent options:
- Offer PayPal, cards, and instalments like Afterpay.
- Show delivery costs and timeframes upfront.
- Use free shipping thresholds to encourage larger orders.
- Keep returns policies clear and fair to build trust.
Mobile Optimisation and Trust Signals
Most sales come from mobile devices, so your site must load quickly and display properly. Add customer reviews, secure payment badges, and visible contact details to reassure buyers and improve conversions.
Market Your Phone Case Business
Marketing is what ensures your products are discovered and chosen over competitors. The right strategy depends on whether you are selling directly to consumers or supplying other businesses.
Search Engine Optimisation
For consumer sales, focus on purchase-intent keywords such as buy iPhone 14 case online, Samsung Galaxy case Australia, or custom phone cases. These are the searches made by people ready to purchase.
If you are supplying retailers or entrepreneurs, optimise for business-focused terms like phone case wholesale or bulk phone cases. This ensures your store appears in front of businesses looking for reliable suppliers.
Paid Advertising
Google Shopping ads and social campaigns are effective at driving immediate traffic. For consumer sales, highlight product benefits such as durability, style, or compatibility. For wholesale, use targeted ads that speak to retailers’ needs, such as bulk pricing and fast delivery.
Retargeting ads work particularly well in both cases, as phone cases are often impulse-driven purchases.
Influencer Marketing and Social Proof
For consumer-focused stores, collaborate with micro-influencers who align with your brand’s style. Their endorsements can quickly raise awareness and build credibility. Encourage customers to leave reviews and share photos of their cases in use, as user-generated content increases trust.
For wholesale suppliers, testimonials and case studies from business clients serve as powerful social proof. Showing how other retailers successfully work with you helps attract new partners.
How to Scale a Phone Case Business
Scaling effectively means building systems to handle growth.
- Prepare stock ahead of major phone launches to capture early demand.
- Use preorders to secure sales and test interest before ordering.
- Discount old stock before demand disappears.
- Strengthen customer service to manage higher order volumes and retain customers.
As orders increase, outsourcing fulfilment to third-party logistics providers can free up time to focus on strategy and expansion.
The Bottom Line On Selling Phone Cases Online
Selling phone cases online remains a profitable and accessible opportunity. With strong demand, a wide product variety, and the right sourcing strategy, it is possible to build a business that grows steadily over time.
The most successful sellers combine smart sourcing with competitive pricing, clear branding, and consistent marketing. By focusing on quality products and customer experience, you can turn a small online shop into a reliable long-term business.
If you are serious about learning how to sell phone cases online, the key is to start with a solid foundation and the right partners.
Contact Skyline Mobile today to explore a wide range of wholesale phone cases and accessories, with fast local delivery to keep your store ready for growth.