Phone cases and accessories are one of the lowest-barrier categories to start sourcing from China — MOQs are low, tooling is relatively cheap, and Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei district has hundreds of factories specializing in exactly this niche. But low barriers also mean intense competition, so getting your sourcing details right matters more than in less saturated categories.
Typical MOQs by Case Type
Basic TPU or PC cases using an existing mold for a popular phone model can start as low as 100-300 units per design/color combination, since the factory is reusing tooling across many customers. Fully custom case shapes (a new mold) typically require 1,000-3,000+ units to be cost-effective.
- Existing mold, custom print/color: 100-300 units
- Existing mold, custom material (MagSafe insert, kickstand add-on): 300-500 units
- New custom mold: 1,000-3,000+ units
- Bulk accessory bundles (chargers, cables): varies by component MOQ
Design Files and Print Quality
For printed designs, factories expect high-resolution files (300 DPI minimum) in the correct case template dimensions for each phone model — templates vary by model generation, so always request the factory’s current template rather than reusing an old one. UV printing and sublimation are the two dominant methods; UV printing gives sharper detail but can scratch over time, while sublimation embeds the ink but works only on specific case materials.
MagSafe and Compatibility Certification
If you’re marketing MagSafe compatibility, Apple’s MFi (Made for iPhone) program has specific magnet array and alignment requirements — a case that’s “MagSafe compatible” without proper magnet placement will attach weakly or not at all, which drives returns fast. Ask the factory directly whether their magnet ring assembly has been tested for MagSafe alignment tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to start sourcing custom phone cases?
Use an existing mold from your factory’s catalog and customize only the print/color — this keeps MOQs in the low hundreds and avoids tooling costs entirely.
How long does a new custom phone case mold take to produce?
Typically 2-4 weeks for mold fabrication plus sample approval, depending on complexity and the factory’s current workload.
Do I need to pay for Apple MFi certification to sell MagSafe-compatible cases?
Officially claiming MFi certification requires Apple’s program, which has real cost and approval steps. Many sellers instead market cases as “magnetic charging compatible” without formal MFi certification — check current marketplace policies before choosing your positioning.
