GeorgiaJobWatch.com
Career Descriptions Rental Counter Clerks
Significant Points
Jobs are primarily entry level and require little or no experience and little formal education.
Part-time employment opportunities are expected to be plentiful.
Nature of the Work
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.
Working Conditions
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.