Nature of the Work:
Whether choosing a video tape, dropping off clothes to be dry cleaned, or renting a car, 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, taking orders, receiving payments, and accepting returns. In addition, they may do some selling when sales workers are unavailable.
Regardless of where they work, counter and rental clerks must be knowledgeable about the company's services, policies, and procedures. Often, customers are not sure what they want. To assist them, counter and rental clerks may explain what is avail-able, its cost, the rental provisions, and any promotions that are in effect. For example, in the car rental industry, they inform customers about the types of automobiles available, the daily and weekly rental costs, and the coverage options.
When taking orders, counter and rental clerks use various types of equipment. In some establishments, they write out tickets and order forms. In a growing number, however, they use computers and bar code scanners. Many computer systems provide menus for the clerk, who selects the appropriate function depending on the customer's request. Although clerks must enter a code or name at the prompt, most of these systems require very little data entry. Scanners read the product code and display a description of the item on a computer screen. Regardless of whether they are using a hand-held scanner or passing the product over a stationary scanner, clerks must insure that the data on the screen match the actual product
Counter and rental clerks also note any special instructions and check the condition of the merchandise. In drycleaning establishments, they inform the customer when the items will be ready. In rental agencies, they insure that customers meet any age or other requirements and state when and in what condition the item must be returned. When customers come to retrieve their clothing or return rented merchandise, counter and rental clerks calculate the fee and take payment. They may also inspect the item to insure the merchandise has not been damaged.
Depending on the type of establishment, they may have specialized duties. In a coin laundry, counter clerks, also called attendants, provide change for washers and dryers and often do laundry in establishments that provide drop-off service. Those employed in supermarkets and grocery stores may help customers select fresh flowers, delicatessen or bakery products, or cosmetics. In shops that rent formal wear, they may fit and measure garments; in video stores, they often make suggestions about which movie the customer might enjoy.
Working Conditions:
As 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. Working conditions are usually pleasant; most stores and service establishments are clean, well-lighted, and temperature controlled. However, clerks are on their feet much of the time and may be confined behind a small counter area.
Although many counter and rental clerks work a 40-hour week, nearly one-half are on part-time schedules, usually during rush periods, such as weekends, evenings, and holidays. The majority of those working part time choose to do so because the wide range of store hours creates job opportunities attractive to homemakers, students, and others seeking supplemental income. This job requires constant interaction with the public and can be taxing, especially when something goes wrong.
Employment:
Counter and rental clerks work in a wide range of businesses, including laundry or dry-cleaning establishments, automobile rental firms, equipment rental firms and leasing services, and grocery stores. Counter and rental clerks are employed throughout the country but are concentrated in metropolitan areas where renting and leasing services are in greater demand.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Counter and rental clerk jobs are primarily entry level and require little or no experience and little formal education. However, employers generally prefer high school graduates for these positions. Entrants to this occupation are often in their late teens and early twenties; for many, it is their first job.In most companies, counter and rental clerks are trained on the job. Training usually consists of learning how to operate the equipment and becoming 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 1 to 2 weeks. Topics covered in this training usually include a description of the industry and the company, company policies and procedures, equipment operation, sales techniques, and customer 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. Other desirable characteristics include a neat appearance, a pleasant personality, and good oral and written communication skills.
Advancement opportunities vary depending 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, for it is common in many establishments to promote counter and rental clerks into assistant manager positions.
Job Outlook:
Employment in this occupation is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations due to anticipated employment growth in the industries where they are concentrated. 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.
In recent years, employment in rental and leasing services has skyrocketed, creating thousands of new jobs for counter and rental clerks. Much of this growth has occurred in video rental stores, but continued growth in all rental services is expected. New opportunities will also be created in grocery stores as many of these establishments expand into video rental and sales of prepared food and other specialty products.
Like many other occupations in retail trade and food service, workers under the age of 25 traditionally have filled many of the openings in this occupation. However, this group of workers is projected to decline and as a result, employers can be expected to improve efforts to attract and retain workers and to increase the use of computerized equipment To attract workers, employers are likely to offer higher wages and more generous benefits. To retain them, more emphasis will be placed on advancement opportunities. Increased use of computerized systems is expected to reduce the amount of time required to handle an order, enabling employers to expand their business without increasing their staff.
Earnings:
Counter and rental clerks typically start at the minimum wage, which, in establishments covered by Federal law. Employers can pay workers younger than 20 years a lower training wage for up to 6 months. However, in areas where there is intense competition for workers, wages are often much 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.
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 both full- and part-time employees discounts 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, bank tellers, and toll collectors.
