The Amazon Student app also gives college students access to free two-day shipping. The app is available for free download in Apple’s App Store.

“We built this app to offer students a convenient and easy way to shop for textbooks, electronics, apparel, bedding and more,” said Anya Waring, spokeswoman for Amazon. “Students can compare prices, buy textbooks, or trade in textbooks for up to 70 percent back – all from their mobile device.

Amazon.com seeks to be the most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices.

Mobile deal
The company decided to roll about the app because students care about getting the best deal possible and the app lets them compare prices to find the best offer.

Additionally, for eligible textbooks – when consumers are done with them – students can scan the bar code to see the trade-in price.

Students can compare textbook prices on their semester’s syllabus by scanning the bar code on the textbook in their college bookstore.

Consumers can also sell their used books and other eligible electronics, video games and DVDs for Amazon gift cards.

In addition, the app also lets students join the Amazon Student program, which offers college students free two-day shipping on millions of eligible products, from laptops and video games to toasters and TVs.

“We have a page dedicated to this app at http://www.amazon.com/studentapp where customers can learn about the features of the app,” Ms. Waring said. “Though we can’t go into detail, we’ll be using both traditional marketing tools and social media to let customers who we think will be interested know about the app and where to get it.

Exclusivity
Amazon students can also get access to exclusive deals on anything from dorm essentials to late night snacks.

Via the app, students can browse customer reviews and detailed product information.

Consumers can also share their finds via email, Twitter and Facebook.

Students can also buy products via Amazon Prime, for delivery directly to their dorm.

“Our goal has always been to offer customers the broadest selection at the best prices with fast, often free shipping offers and we want to extend this to offer great customer experiences on all the platforms and devices our customers are using,” Ms. Waring said.

Final Take
Rimma Kats is staff reporter on Mobile Marketer, New York