MerchCraft Australia
Tech & Electronics · 7 min read

Where to Find the Best Shops for Phone Cases and Custom Branded Options

Discover how Australian businesses and sports clubs can use branded phone cases as powerful promotional tools. Expert tips inside.

Benji Taylor

Written by

Benji Taylor

Tech & Electronics

a group of electronic devices
Photo by Shawn Rain via Unsplash

Choosing the right shops for phone cases isn’t just a task for individuals hunting the perfect cover for their personal device — it’s also a smart strategic move for Australian marketing teams, businesses, and sports clubs looking to extend their brand reach into everyday life. Custom branded phone cases are one of the most visible promotional products available today. Think about it: Australians check their phones an average of over 100 times per day. Every glance, every table placement, every casual moment with a phone in hand becomes a branding opportunity. Whether you’re a Sydney-based marketing agency planning a client gift, a Brisbane sporting club wanting to reward loyal members, or a Perth retail business exploring new merch avenues, branded phone cases deserve a serious place in your promotional strategy.

Why Branded Phone Cases Are a Powerhouse Promotional Product

Before diving into where to find the right shops for phone cases and custom options, it’s worth understanding why these products perform so well in the promotional space.

Phone cases sit at the intersection of utility and visibility. Unlike a branded pen that might sit in a drawer, a custom phone case is used dozens of times every single day. It’s taken to meetings, cafés, gyms, sporting events, and public transport. It goes where your audience goes — which means your logo and branding go there too.

For businesses in competitive markets, this kind of consistent exposure is genuinely valuable. A Melbourne real estate agency gifting a quality branded phone case at settlement is creating a subtle but persistent brand reminder that lasts as long as the recipient keeps the case — often a year or more.

The Stats Speak for Themselves

High-use promotional products consistently deliver a lower cost-per-impression than almost any traditional advertising format. When you calculate how many times a phone case is seen over twelve months — both by the owner and those around them — the return on investment becomes very compelling. Add to that the fact that a well-designed case looks premium, and recipients are far less likely to discard it compared to lower-quality giveaway items.

What to Look for When Exploring Shops for Phone Cases

Not all suppliers are created equal, and the quality of your branded phone case will directly reflect on your brand. Here’s what to keep in mind when evaluating your options.

Phone Model Compatibility

The smartphone market is fragmented. Your audience likely uses a mix of iPhone models, Samsung Galaxy devices, and Google Pixel handsets. A reputable supplier will offer cases across a broad range of current models and be upfront about which models they can and can’t accommodate. Be cautious of shops for phone cases that only offer a narrow range — if you’re ordering for a team of 50 staff across different devices, you need flexibility.

Decoration Method and Print Quality

The decoration method matters enormously for the final look of your branded case. The most common options include:

  • Full-colour digital printing — Ideal for complex designs, photography-style graphics, or gradient artwork. Offers excellent detail and colour accuracy.
  • UV printing — Produces vibrant, durable results directly onto the case surface. Great for flat or slightly curved surfaces.
  • Sublimation — Works brilliantly on certain case materials, particularly clear or white backgrounds, delivering a full-wrap print with exceptional colour saturation.
  • Debossing or laser engraving — More suited to leather-style or hard shell cases. Delivers a premium, tactile finish that works well for corporate gifting.

If your brand has specific Pantone (PMS) colours, discuss this upfront with your supplier. While digital printing provides wide colour scope, exact PMS matching can sometimes be challenging depending on the substrate. Request a physical sample or virtual proof — read more about the differences in our guide to virtual proofs vs physical samples for promotional products.

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)

Most promotional product suppliers offering branded phone cases will have an MOQ — commonly starting around 25 to 50 units, though some suppliers who specialise in on-demand printing can go lower for smaller runs. Bulk orders of 100 units or more typically unlock better per-unit pricing, so if your campaign is large enough, ordering in volume is always worth considering.

Turnaround Times

Plan ahead. Custom phone cases typically require 10–15 business days for production once your artwork is approved, with additional transit time to factor in depending on your location. Rural businesses in Queensland or the Northern Territory should build in extra buffer. If you need stock urgently, ask specifically about rush production options — some suppliers can accommodate a faster turnaround for a premium.

Pairing Phone Cases With a Full Promotional Campaign

One of the smartest ways to maximise your promotional merchandise investment is to build a cohesive campaign around a hero product like a branded phone case. Rather than ordering a single product, consider how it complements a broader suite of branded items.

For example, a Gold Coast events company running a product launch could pair branded phone cases with custom totes and backpacks and branded USB promotional drives for a tech-forward gift bundle that delegates will actually keep and use.

A Melbourne football club rewarding season members might combine phone cases with personalised wristbands and team-branded merchandise to create a supporter pack that genuinely excites recipients.

For end-of-year corporate gifting, branded phone cases work exceptionally well alongside other premium products. If you’re planning your festive season merch, our post on Christmas gifts for employees covers a range of ideas that pair well with tech accessories.

Sports clubs specifically should think about seasonal relevance. During summer, a phone case could sit alongside SPF50 sunscreen and a branded gym towel in a summer kit. In the cooler months, consider bundling with winter promotional products for a seasonal touch.

Artwork Preparation: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Poor artwork is the number one reason branded merchandise disappoints. Before approaching any supplier, ensure your artwork is:

  • Vector format (AI, EPS, or high-resolution PDF) for sharp, scalable results
  • Correct colour profile — typically CMYK for print; let the supplier know if you need specific PMS matching
  • Properly sized — phone case templates vary by model, and any reputable supplier will provide a die-line template for you to work within
  • Proofed thoroughly — check every detail before approving, from spelling to logo placement to safe zones

If your team uses the same branded assets across other merchandise like sublimated polo shirts or graphic tees, make sure you’re using the most current approved brand files. Inconsistency across merchandise categories is a common mistake that undermines brand professionalism.

Eco-Friendly Phone Case Options

Sustainability is a growing consideration for Australian businesses — particularly those in government, education, and the not-for-profit sector. The good news is that eco-friendly phone case options are increasingly available. Biodegradable cases made from plant-based materials, recycled plastic options, and cases with FSC-certified packaging are worth asking about when briefing suppliers.

If sustainability is a core part of your brand story, a phone case made from eco-conscious materials sends a consistent message. Read our broader guide on sustainable promotional products to understand how to embed this thinking across your entire merchandise range — and check out our explainer on what BPA is and bisphenol A if material safety is a priority for your audience.

Budget Guidance for Branded Phone Cases

Branded phone case pricing varies depending on case style, decoration method, and order volume. As a general guide for the Australian market:

  • Budget range (basic soft shell, digital print): $8–$15 per unit at 50+ units
  • Mid-range (hard shell or dual layer, UV print): $15–$25 per unit
  • Premium (leather-style, laser engraving): $25–$45 per unit

Setup fees may apply for certain decoration methods — clarify this upfront. For large campaigns (250+ units), per-unit pricing can reduce significantly, so always request a tiered pricing breakdown.

It’s also worth comparing your phone case investment against other tech promo items. Novelty USB flash drives and branded drink bottles occupy a similar price tier and are worth evaluating alongside phone cases depending on your campaign goals.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Sourcing Branded Phone Cases

Finding the right shops for phone cases in the promotional products space requires more than a quick Google search. Here’s a summary of what to keep in mind as you move forward:

  • Prioritise suppliers with broad phone model compatibility to ensure your branded cases work for your whole team or audience, regardless of device preferences.
  • Choose the right decoration method for your artwork — sublimation for full-colour designs, laser engraving for premium corporate finishes, UV printing for vibrant everyday branding.
  • Plan your timeline carefully — allow at least three weeks from artwork approval to delivery, especially if you’re outside a major metro area.
  • Bundle phone cases with complementary products like USB drives, totes, or wristbands to build a cohesive branded campaign that makes a stronger impression.
  • Consider eco-friendly materials if sustainability is central to your brand values — biodegradable and recycled case options are increasingly accessible and cost-competitive.

With the right supplier and a clear brief, branded phone cases can become one of the most effective, high-visibility promotional tools in your marketing arsenal. Start with your audience, think about daily use, and invest in quality — your brand will thank you for it.