The application features bar code technology and uses GPS. The app is available for free download in Apple’s App Store and Google’s Android Market.

“We really have a mobile strategy for two reasons,” said Jeff Cohen, CEO of CampusBooks. “A lot of college students shop within the bookstore and the mobile app lets them compare prices while they’re standing in the store.

“They can scan the bar code and get price comparisons to see if the book store has the best price,” he said.

CampusBooks.com was founded in 1998 and has evolved into a leading comparison-shopping Web site.

Book scanning
Students can scan bar codes or manually search for books via the app.

Users can aim their smartphone at a book’s bar code for a quick read of the embedded code and easy retrieval of the book information.

The app also lets students view and compare prices at college and local bookstores based on their current geo-location.

The app helps students find the cheapest books when buying and the highest prices when selling.

Consumers can scan a book’s bar code to price compare

“We have a mobile site and if you hit our site from your phone it redirects you and promotes the new app for download,” Mr. Cohen said.

Book a day
Students can also complete transactions on the spot via their mobile device and email titles to friends.

Additionally, the app lets users build a wishlist and saving titles to a bookbag.

“We also got the word out about the app through outreach to college newspapers,” Mr. Cohen said.

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