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Nature of the Work
Working Conditions
Employment
Training, Other
Qualifications, and Advancement
Job Outlook
Earnings
Related
Occupations
Sources of Additional
Information
Whether renting video tapes or air compressors, dropping off clothes to be dry-cleaned or appliances to be 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. Counter and rental clerks also take orders, calculate fees, receive payments, and accept returns. (Cashiers and retail sales workers, occupations with similar duties, are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
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, counter and rental clerks use their special knowledge to give advice on a 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 daily and weekly rental costs, ensure that customers meet age and other requirements, and indicate when and in what condition cars must be returned. In dry-cleaning establishments, counter clerks inform customers 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 scanners are quickly becoming the norm. Most of these computer systems are user 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.
Because firms employing counter and rental clerks generally operate at the convenience of customers, these workers often work night and weekend hours. However, because of this many, employers offer flexible schedules. Some counter and rental clerks work 40-hour weeks 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-lighted, 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 during busy periods.
Counter and rental clerks held 374,000 jobs in 1996. About 1 of every 4 clerks worked for a video tape rental establishment. Other large employers included laundries or dry cleaners, automobile 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.
Counter and rental clerk jobs are primarily entry level and require little or no experience and little formal education. However, many employers prefer those with at least a high school diploma.
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.
Counter and rental clerks should enjoy working with people and have the ability to deal tactfully with difficult customers. In addition, good oral and written communication skills are essential.
Advancement opportunities depend on the size and type of company. Many establishments that employ counter or rental clerks tend to be small businesses, making advancement difficult. But in larger establishments with a corporate structure, 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, retired mechanics could prove invaluable at tool rental centers because of their relevant knowledge.
Employment in this occupation is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006, due to anticipated employment growth in the industries where they are concentrated— business services, automotive rentals, and amusement and recreation services. Some openings due to growth are expected to meet consumers' anticipated increased acceptance of renting items instead of buying them. Despite this, 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.
Counter and rental clerks typically start at the minimum wage, which, in establishments covered by Federal law, was $5.15 an hour in 1997. In areas where there is intense competition for workers, however, wages are often higher. In addition to 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 $303 in 1996. The middle 50 percent earned between $230 and $489 a week. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $184; the top 10 percent earned more than $631.
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.
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.
For general information on employment in the equipment rental industry contact:
American Rental Association, 1900 19th St., Moline, IL 61265.
For more information about the work of counter clerks in dry cleaning and laundry establishments, contact:
International Fabricare Institute, 12251 Tech Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
For general information on employment in the rent-to-own industry, contact:
Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, 9015 Mountain Ridge Dr., Suite 220, Austin, TX 78759. Homepage: http://www.apro-rto.com
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