With the recent release of Campus Special’s online coupon book for both the iPhone and Android, students looking to curb their cravings can find the best deals closest to their current location by using GPS technology and save money while filling their stomachs.
Campus Special Co-Founder Joe Jacobs said the company’s goal from the start was to create an application that remained ahead of the technology curve and allowed students to save money.
“The response gets better every year,” Jacobs said. “And with the app, it’s even bigger.”
Currently, the app is averaging one download every 30 seconds and is ranked at No. 36 on the Lifestyle apps on iTunes, Jacobs said. After being active at 150 universities nationwide since Aug. 12, the app only continues to grow.
Print coupon books were also available the first week of class with campus representatives from Campus Special handing out the coupons at well-traveled areas downtown and on campus. On the front of these books is a QR code that directs students to the app store for online coupon downloads when scanned.
After downloading, students are provided with coupons to local food vendors, shopping centers and tanning salons. The goal is to bridge the gap between all businesses without charging anyone for the usage of the website and app, Jacobs said.
The app also features Campus Special’s online food court, which lets students place food orders from class, their dorm rooms or on their way home from a night out, said Stephanie Scott, Campus Special online marketing manager.
The company is currently giving away a free cheese pizza from Brothers NY Style Pizzeria with the first 1,000 downloads, Jacobs said, in an attempt to encourage downloads and show students how the app works.
Campus Representative Hilary Wadsworth said the app is helping her in making smart decisions in her spending, as well as letting her search for exactly what she’s hungry for.
“The search feature is the best part,” Wadsworth (senior-marketing) said. “You put in what you’re thinking and up comes your options.”
A limited number of print coupon books are still available at the downtown Student Book Store and the student book store in the HUB-Robeson Center. To download the app, go to www.campusspecial.com.
