Textbooks/College Bookstores: Amazon.com & UC Davis Formally Announce Online Storefront Pilot

From the University of California, Davis:

The University of California, Davis, and Amazon are piloting a first-of-its kind online program that complements UC Davis’ retail operations and supports student programs, services and a new scholarship.
When Amazon Student members shop at amazon.com or any other customers start their shopping on the UC Davis storefront, davis.amazon.com, UC Davis will receive a little more than 2 percent of most purchases (net of returns). The program launched fall 2013.
Plans call for at least $40,000 of the proceeds to fund the development of a textbook scholarship in collaboration with We Are Aggie Pride, a student-led group that raises money to provide emergency funding for UC Davis students in need. Additional revenue will help support student programs and services.
The easiest way for students to participate is by signing up for a free six-month trial membership of Amazon Student at amazon.com/joinstudent. [See note below about Amazon.com recently promoting Amazon Student program in front of the U. of Washington Bookstore.
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UC Davis Stores, an independent, nonprofit bookstore, has a long tradition of innovation in service to the students and community of UC Davis. Jason Lorgan, director of UC Davis Stores, said Amazon approached UC Davis Stores to pilot this program because it is among the top-earning university bookstores in the Amazon Associates program.
“The collaboration is a win-win for the university and its students,” Lorgan said. “The site complements the existing UC Davis retail operations and provides additional items that we’re unable to provide,” he said. “We expect it will generate significant revenue for the university and do not believe it will harm our in-store sales.”
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The pilot project for davis.amazon.com is an extension of a longer relationship with Amazon, which has been among the retailers participating in the online price comparison program that UC Davis Stores offers.

Learn More About How The Program Works
See Also: University of Washington: Amazon sets up booth in front of college bookstore to tout Amazon Student program (via GeekWire)
See Also: In a Related Story From California…
College textbook sticker shock causes students to leave textbooks on the shelves (via Bay Area News Group/Contra Costa Times)
See Also: Survey Shows Students Opting Out Of Buying High-Cost Textbooks (via Student Public Interest Research Groups)

Fixing The Broken Textbook Market

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