Layblock's model Gold Croco cowhide case for the iPhone features 24K gold film coating.

South Korea suppliers stress product value to attract buyers’ attention and avoid rivalry in the low end.

South Korea makers of genuine and synthetic leather cases for the iPhone emphasize upscale models to distinguish their selections from low-priced items and steer clear of price competition.

Layblock Co. Ltd continues to expand its range of materials and develop distinctive features. It adopts 24K gold or holographic film coating, for instance, to enhance cowhide models. The supplier adds storage space for cards and a view window for greater functionality. “Even at the risk of higher costs, we are focusing on premium markets. Our Gaze-brand flip cases have unique leather patterns and decorations typically found in luxury brands only,” said Rudy Min, the supplier’s business developer.

Stressing simple but elegant designs, Telewide Co. Ltd concentrates on maintaining leather’s natural color and characteristic texture. The manufacturer purchases materials by roll, improves the hue by wet method instead of spraying, and handcrafts the outer part of finished products. For the inner hard case, it deposits tin to achieve a high-grade metal finish. “We have a motto – another 1 percent difference,” said CEO Alex Kim on the company’s design-driven agenda. The maker directs the bulk of output toward the domestic market. Overseas, it ships mainly to Japan, with Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and mainland China as other destinations.

To bolster competitiveness, companies such as JS Jacklyn aim to simplify processes and reduce manufacturing input outlay. “We are testing alternative leather materials for improved durability,” said Helen Lee, overseas sales manager. In addition, the maker is sustaining efforts toward “green” products and securing relevant certification. It sends products to Europe and the Middle East.

The local selection of leather cases for the iPhone is classified into diary, flip and back-cover kinds. The first usually comes with storage space for cards, and flip types with a view window.

Makers offer both genuine and synthetic types. “In terms of market volume, low-priced synthetic leather cases have a larger portion,” said Min of Layblock. He said the preference for the variant not only lies on its price advantage but also on the material’s water-resistant feature. Besides this, advancements in processing technology have imparted some of genuine leather’s properties to its imitation counterpart.

Even so, suppliers such as Libero System Corp. emphasize the former. The supplier allocates 80 percent of output to genuine leather cases and the rest to synthetic types. It exports 95 percent of yield. The destinations include Japan, the Netherlands, Australia, Denmark, the US and New Zealand.

The line’s maker pool consists mostly of small and midsize operations. Many are expected to exit as competition heats up in the domestic and international fronts. Besides rivalry with China and Vietnam, the sector faces a challenge in limited demand. “It is a small-batch production market. That is why we are targeting mainly brand shops with our midlevel and high-priced models,” said Telewide’s Kim.

Related report:
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Product gallery

JS Jacklyn
(South Korea)

Model: Slim Wallet/SW
MOQ: 50 pieces
Delivery: 7 days
Price: $29.99
Description: Cowhide; plastic hard case; 60x125x10mm; 18g; for iPhone 5, 5s

Layblock Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Hologram Croco
MOQ: 100 pieces
Price: $67.00
Description: Cowhide; holographic film coating; crocodile pattern

Layblock Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Gold Croco
MOQ: 100 units
Price: $67.00
Description: Cowhide; 24K gold film coating; crocodile pattern

Libero System Corp.
(South Korea)

Model: Leaf Effect
MOQ: 500 pieces
Delivery: 35 days
Price: $15.00
Description: Genuine leather; heat-pressed 3D leaf design

Libero System Corp.
(South Korea)

Model: Zipper Case
MOQ: 500 pieces
Delivery: 35 days
Price: $15.00
Description: Genuine leather; card, bill slots; exterior zipped pocket; magnetic closure

Telewide Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Genuine Cow’s Leather
Description: Genuine leather; card, bill slots; for iPhone5, 5s