With the growing popularity of tablets, computers and smartphones, it really just takes a good amount of creativity and effort to turn any given normal “Joe” into a superstar. And now there’s an app that will allow them to interact with fans on a merchandising level, without having to resort to an eBay account.

A new startup called Makr is providing the opportunity for these would-be celebrities to interact with an iPhone app and produce supplementary funds by providing a marketplace for their small or large following of fans.

The app, now available on the Apple App Store, enables these creators to design and sell their own special merchandise right through their phones. Art can be uploaded with ease, and one of Makr’s templates makes it simple to set up said design to be printed on objects, including T-shirts and tote bags. From there, the Makr app would then sell such items to the public through its online store.

Makr would be in charge of the production, shipping and payment receipt from users, although the user would benefit as well, making $2 for each item sold through the company. So it’s a win-win situation on both parts.

“We’re enabling them to make custom products at no risk,” says co-founder and CEO Ellen Johnston, who has a background in design. “The goal is that within a matter of minutes, you can go from just creating — whether you’re a blogger, illustrator, or YouTube star — to monetizing your audience.”

It’s a variation of the popular Etsy store, which also allows users to create and sell their own wares, but provides the opportunity to do most of the work for them, particularly with production and shipping – effectively removing some labor from their end, so they can get right back to creating.

To assure that it isn’t left with unsold stock, Makr works with certain vendors to produce orders as they’re entered by the users. Over 100 designers are already onboard with the process, and more options are expected to be added as time goes on. “The sky is the limit,” said Johnston. “What we’re trying to do is introduce products in a very thoughtful way. One really important thing for us from a brand perspective is we want to maintain control of quality.”

Considering that Etsy generated over a billion dollars in sales last year, it’s easy to see a possible new direction for business. And Makr is all over it.

Source: Wired