Starting a business is a big step that needs care, attention, and consideration. You don’t want to jump into any opportunity before doing research to identify if the opportunity is viable and the right step for you.
Below you’ll find the steps needed to start a phone case business plus a few key points to consider, followed by a collection of resources you can use now and in the future. Let’s get started with the steps.
Steps to Starting a Phone Case Business
1. Make Sure Running a Business Is Right For You
Some people want to run a business, while others like working with the business’s products and services but don’t like management.
It’s important to be passionate about your business; otherwise, you will look for a way out instead of solutions when problems arise.
Ask yourself a few questions to see if you are on the right track. For example:
- Can you see yourself owning and operating a phone case business for the next few years?
- Are you passionate about phone cases?
- If there were no restrictions and you had the choice to do whatever you wanted with your life, would you still move forward with this business?
- Why do you want to open a phone case business?
- What do you expect from your business, financial freedom, being your own boss, prestige, a way out of a job you dislike?
The above questions can only be answered by you, and your answers will give you more clarity as to what you really want.
For more, see Business Startup Considerations.
2. Research
Business Research
The time you take to do research will pay off. The more you know about a business, the better your decisions and the final outcome you’ll have.
You need to speak with experienced people in the field to get accurate information.
See my article below for a few exercises that will get you on the right track and keep you from making mistakes based on inaccurate information.
See An Inside Look Into the Business You Want To Start for more.
Target Audience
Understanding your target audience allows you to visualize your customers and set up your business to your customer’s preferences.
For more, see, How To Understand Your Target Market.
3. Setup Considerations
For this step, you must imagine how your business will be set up.
For example:
- Are you considering a Kiosk set up in a mall?
- Are you planning a storefront?
- Are you planning on an online operation or online and a brick-and-mortar business?
- Will you open a home-based business?
- Are you considering a full-time or part-time operation?
- Will you do all the work yourself?
- Are you planning on resale or making your own cases?
- Will you offer custom designs?
- Do you want to build a brand?
- Are you considering add-ons, such as phone repairs, accessories, or even phone sales?
Answering the above questions will help you set up your business effectively.
4. Choosing The Right Business Location
Your location is very important unless your operation is online. For example, if you are focusing on a brick-and-mortar business, you must locate in an area with a demand for phone cases, or it doesn’t make sense to open.
If you’re planning a brick-and-mortar operation then you’ll need to locate it in a busy area, for example, a kiosk in a popular mall, where thousands of people walk by every day. You need to make your display attractive and you need to have a wide selection of desirable cases.
For more, see Choosing The Best Location for Your Business.
5. Choose a Business Name
Choosing a business name is important, especially if you put your name on your phone cases. Your business name has to be memorable, catchy, and available for registration. You’ll also want a domain name to match your business name.
For this important step, see How To Register a Business Name.
6. Business Registration
You’ll have to register your business to comply with the laws in your area. I suggest looking at the link below to get a strong overview of what you need to register your business.
It’s also a good idea to speak with a professional, such as a lawyer or accountant, to get advice on your particular situation.
See, How to Register Your Business for all the details.
7. Create Your Corporate ID
A corporate ID is the artwork for items, such as business cards, promotional items, your website, your logo, stationary, etc.
It’s important to have your design created by a professional to leave a good impression on your customers.
See A Complete Introduction to Corporate Identity Packages for more.
8. Estimating Your Startup Cost
Depending on your operation, starting from home as a part-time business, operating online, or opening a storefront will determine your startup cost. Start by making a list of all the things you’ll need, and as you’re getting pricing, other issues will show up, and you can update your list.
It’s important to be as accurate as possible because if you estimate too high, your venture could luck risky, and if you estimate too low, you may run out of money before you can open your door to the public.
For more, see, Estimating Start-up Costs: Are you Missing Anything? Also, see, Business Expenses To Consider.
9. Writing a Business Plan
Your business plan is a roadmap to your destination and helps you stay on track once you are up and running.
It’s also an essential document when looking to attract investors and apply for financing.
For details, see How to Write a Business Plan.
10. Set up Your Banking
As a business owner, you’ll need to separate personal and business finances by opening a separate checking account. You can use your current bank or choose a new bank.
For more, see, How to Open a Business Bank Account and What Is a Merchant Account, and How to Get One.
11. Get the Funding for Your Operation
For this part of the startup process, you’ll need to make copies of your business plan and meet with lenders to discuss a business loan.
You may review the article below to prepare before meeting with a financial lender.
For ideas, see our article, Getting a Small Business Loan.
12. Software Setup
It’s time to look at software to help you manage your business.
For example, you may need an accounting program, and you can discuss the best option with your accountant. You may also need programs like those included in Microsoft Office, a popular business package.
13. Get The Right Business Insurance
If there is an accident at your place of business, you will need sufficient insurance coverage.
If you are running this business out of your home, speak to your home insurance broker to ensure running a business out of your home will not void your current home insurance policy.
For more, see What to Know About Business Insurance.
14. Choose Suppliers
You will need a supplier that will ensure you have sufficient supplies in stock to make sales.
A great supplier can help you succeed, while a poor supplier negatively affects your company.
See, How To Choose a Supplier for tips and insights.
15. Physical Setup
For this step, you will focus on the setup of your business. Whether you have a storefront or are running an online operation, you will need everything to be organized so you do not waste time looking for things.
Your office is where you will spend most of your time managing your business. Therefore, your office will need to be fully equipped and organized to maximize productivity.
See, Here are Considerations for The Setup of Your Office for the details.
16. Creating a Website
Many people purchase a phone case online because it’s convenient; therefore, do you want to ensure your website is quick, mobile-ready, and contains all the information customers want?
If you’re designing phone cases, you can have an option for people to upload a graphic or photo where you can create a custom case for them.
You may have other accounts online where you can market your phone cases, such as a Facebook Page or even open up an Etsy store, but your website should be your main focus because you’ll have full control when you register a domain name and sign up for hosting.
For more, see our page on How to Build a Website.
17. Create an External Support Team
An external support team includes professionals who can help you with services and advice. They are not on your payroll but are paid by the hour, on a retainer, or by the job.
Your team may consist of a lawyer, an accountant, a graphic designer, an IT professional, a webmaster, etc. Building your team may take months or years, but once it’s in place, you have a group of people you can count on when you plan to expand your business or need advice.
For more, see, Building a Team of Professional Advisors.
18. Hiring Employees
You may be planning to do everything yourself, and that’s a good idea to keep your cost down, but when you expand, you may need to hire employees. Ensure you hire the right people for every position, and make sure you don’t overhire.
For more, see, How and When to Hire a New Employee.