Whether renting video tapes, dropping off clothes to be dry cleaned, or getting appliances serviced, we rely on counter and rental clerks to handle these transactions efficiently. Although specific duties vary by establishment, counter and rental clerks are responsible for answering questions involving product availability, cost, and rental provisions. They may give other types c advice as well. Counter and rental clerks also take orders, calculate fees, receive payments, and accept returns.
Regardless of where they work, counter and rental clerks must be knowledgeable about the company's services, policies and procedures. Depending on the type of establishment, count* and rental clerks use their special knowledge to give advice on wide variety of products and services, which may range from hydraulic tools to shoe repair. For example, in the car rental industry, they inform customers about the features of the different types of automobiles available and their daily and weekly rental costs, ensure that customers meet age or other requirements, an indicate when and in what condition the car must be returned. I dry-cleaning establishments, counter clerks inform customer when items will be ready.
When taking orders counter and rental clerks use various types of equipment. In some establishments, they write out tickets and order forms. However, computers and bar code scanner are quickly becoming the norm. Most computer systems are friendly and usually require very little data entry. Scanners "read the product code and display a description of the item on a computer screen. Clerks must insure, however, that the data on the screen matches the actual product.
Working Conditions
Because firms employing counter and rental clerks generally operate at the convenience of their customers, these workers often work night and weekend hours. However, because of this many employers offer flexible schedules. Some counter and rental clerks work a 40-hour week but over one-half are on part-time schedules-usually during rush periods such as weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Working conditions are usually pleasant; most stores and service establishments are clean, well-lit, and temperature controlled. However, clerks are on their feet much of the time and may be confined behind a small counter area. This job requires constant interaction with the public and can be taxing-especially luring busy periods.
Employment
About one of every four clerks worked for a video tape rental establishment. Other large employers included laundries or dry cleaners, automobile or truck rental firms, equipment rental firms, and miscellaneous entertainment and recreation establishments.
Counter and rental clerks are employed throughout the country but are concentrated in metropolitan areas where personal services and renting and leasing services are in greater demand.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Counter and rental clerk jobs are primarily entry-level and enquire little or no experience and little formal education. However, many employers prefer those with at least a high school diploma for these positions.
In most companies, counter and rental clerks are trained on the job, sometimes through the use of video tapes, brochures, and pamphlets. Clerks usually learn how to operate the equipment and become familiar with the establishment's policies and procedures under the observation of a more experienced worker. However, some employers have formal classroom training programs lasting from a few hours to a few weeks. Topics covered in this training usually include a description of the industry, the company and its policies and procedures, equipment operation, sales techniques, and customer service. Counter and rental clerks must also become familiar with the different products and services rented or provided by their company in order to give customers the best possible service.
Persons who want to become counter and rental clerks should enjoy working with people and have the ability to deal tactfully with difficult customers. In addition, good oral and writ-ten communication skills are essential.
Advancement opportunities depend on the size and type of company. However, jobs as counter and rental clerks offer good opportunities for workers to learn about their company's products and business practices. These jobs can be steppingstones to more responsible positions, because it is common in many establishments to promote counter and rental clerks into assistant manager positions.
In certain industries, such as equipment repair, counter and rental jobs may be an additional or alternate source of income for workers who are unemployed or entering semi-retirement. For example, a retired mechanic could prove invaluable at a tool rental center because of his or her relevant knowledge.
Job Outlook
Employment in this occupation is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005 due to anticipated employment growth in the industries where they are concentrated-video tape rental, laundries and dry cleaners, automotive rentals, amusement and recreation services, and equipment rental and leasing. Despite this growth, however, most job openings will arise from the need to replace experienced workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Part-time employment opportunities are expected to be plentiful.
Earnings
Counter and rental clerks typically start at the minimum wage, which, in establishments covered by federal law, was $4.25 an hour in 1994. In areas where there is intense competition for workers, however, wages are often higher. In addition to their wages, some counter and rental clerks receive commissions based on the number of contracts they complete or services they sell.
Retail counter clerks earned a median weekly income of $266 in 1994. The middle 50 percent earned between $195 and $391 a week. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $157; the top 10 percent earned more than $586.
Full-time workers typically receive health and life insurance and paid vacation and sick leave. Benefits for counter and rental clerks who work part-time tend to be significantly less than for those who work full-time. Many companies offer discounts to both full- and part-time employees on the services they provide.
Related Occupations
Counter and rental clerks take orders and receive payment for services rendered. Other workers with similar duties include cashiers, retail sales workers, food counter clerks, postal service clerks, and bank tellers.
Related O.O.I. Jobs
These job titles are related to or more specific than the more general description above. They will help you identify job options you may not otherwise discover. These descriptions are in the current edition of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and classified by numerical order.
216.482-030 LAUNDRY PRICING CLERK; 249.362-010 COUNTER CLERK; 249.366-010 COUNTER CLERK; 295.357-010 APPAREL-RENTAL CLERK; 295.357-014 TOOL-AND-EQUIPMENT-RENTAL CLERK; 295.357-018 FURNITURE-RENTAL CONSULTANT; 295.367-010 AIRPLANE-CHARTER CLERK; 295.367-026 STORAGE-FACILITY RENTAL CLERK; 295.467-010 BICYCLE-RENTAL CLERK; 295.467-014 BOAT-RENTAL CLERK; 295.467-022 TRAILER-RENTAL CLERK; 295.467-026 AUTOMOBILE-RENTAL CLERK; 299.367-018 WATCH-AND-CLOCK-REPAIR CLERK; 369.367-010 FUR-STORAGE CLERK; 369.367-014 RUG MEASURER; 369.467-010 MANAGER, BRANCH STORE; 369.477-010 CURB ATTENDANT; 369.477-014 SERVICE-ESTABLISHMENT ATTENDANT; 369.677-010 SELF-SERVICE-L AUNDRY-AND-DRY-CLEANING ATTENDANT
Sources of Additional Information
For more information about employment opportunities in the equipment rental industry contact:
- American Rental Association, Moline, IL 61625
