Counter and Rental Clerks

Career summary

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#check 3/19/19 lh

Counter and rental clerks greet customers when they enter stores. They help customers find items or choose services. In addition, they may advise customers on the use and care of merchandise. Some may help clients purchase services, such as cleaning or storage space.

Clerks prepare rental forms by obtaining information from customers. They also:

• Calculate charges
• Explain fees, policies, and procedures
• Provide information about rented items

Counter and rental clerks collect deposits or payments and count change from cash payments. They keep records of all transactions and accept returns.

Clerks answer telephones and answer questions about their services. They reserve items and keep records of which items are rented. They receive, examine, and tag articles to be altered, cleaned, stored, or repaired. They may track the number of people to come to their store or booth. Some set up displays of merchandise.

Related careers

This career is part of the Marketing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cashiers
• Casino Gaming Workers
• Counter Attendants
• Customer Service Representatives
• Fast Food Cooks
• Hotel Desk Clerks
• License Clerks
• New Accounts Clerks
• Order Clerks
• Parts Salespeople
• Pharmacy Aides
• Postal Clerks
• Receptionists
• Recreation Attendants
• Restaurant Hosts
• Retail Salespeople
• Service Station Attendants
• Stock Clerks
• Waiters and Waitresses

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to counter and rental clerks.

• Greet customers.
• Recommend items to customers that meet their needs and give advice on a variety of products and services.
• Prepare merchandise and equipment for display, purchase, or rental.
• Explain rental fees and provide information about rented items, such as how to operate and care for them.
• Rent items or arrange for customers to receive services.
• Prepare rental forms, obtaining customers' signatures and other information, such as required licenses.
• Compute charges based on rental rates.
• Collect deposits or payments. Record credit charges.
• Answer telephones to give information and take orders by phone.
• Reserve items for requested time. Accept and process returns.
• Receive, examine, and tag articles to be altered, cleaned, stored, or repaired.
• Keep records of all transactions.

Common work activities

Counter and rental clerks perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform for or work with the public
• Document and record information
• Process information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Use computers
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Get information needed to do the job
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Think creatively
• Assist and care for others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, counter and rental clerks:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction with customers.
• Deal with angry or discourteous customers frequently.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations when customers are unhappy with rented equipment or a service they purchased.
• Have face-to-face conversations, talk with customers over the phone, and send emails all the time.
• Work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Mostly work indoors.
• Are often exposed to sound levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Work very near other people and have little space between self and others. This is especially true when renting equipment, such as skis and boots, which must be adjusted on the wearer.

Work performance

• Repeat the same tasks, such as fitting equipment and filling out forms.
• Make daily decisions that affect the image of their employer, usually without consulting a supervisor.
• Can set most tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor, as long as deadlines are met.
• Must be exact in their work and be sure that all details are done so that customers are satisfied.

Hours/travel

• May work full time or part time.
• May work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Physical demands

Counter and rental clerks frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for counter and rental clerks to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for counter and rental clerks to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Counter and rental clerks need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Marketing
• Office Support
• Retail Management

Training

To work as a counter and rental clerk, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

On-the-job training

Most counter and rental clerks are trained on the job. Training generally lasts less than a month. You learn by studying materials provided by the employer. You also work with an experienced clerk to become familiar with company policies, procedures, and the rental equipment. You learn sales techniques, how to complete paperwork, and equipment operation.

At first, you handle routine duties. As you gain experience you perform tasks that are more complex and have more responsibility.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Fundamentals

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who enjoy working with people and can deal tactfully with difficult customers. They also look for applicants who can handle several tasks at once while providing friendly service. Employers prefer applicants who have good communication skills. Many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Counter and Rental Clerks 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Counter and rental clerks typically start at minimum wage. Wages tend to be higher in areas where there is intense competition for workers. Some counter clerks receive commissions based on the number of contracts they complete or services they sell.

Counter and rental clerks who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Equipment rental stores
• Laundry and dry cleaning stores
• Car rental companies
• Car and truck dealers

National outlook

Growth in this occupation will be as fast as average. Demand will be limited as counter work is automated. People are now able to rent videos via the Internet. Some growth is expected as businesses place more importance on providing good customer service. Clerks will be needed to assist customers in person.

Many openings for counter and rental clerks will occur as current workers leave this occupation. This is an entry-level occupation. Many clerks leave as they find other work.

Other resources

American Rental Association 
1900 - 19th Street
Moline, IL 61265
800.334.2177
309.764.2475

References

Career cluster

• Marketing

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Counter and Rental Clerks (41-2021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Airplane-charter Clerk (295.367-010) 
• Apparel-rental Clerk (295.357-010) 
• Automobile Rental Clerk (295.467-026) 
• Baby-stroller and Wheelchair Rental Clerk (295.367-014) 
• Bicycle-rental Clerk (295.467-010) 
• Boat-rental Clerk (295.467-014) 
• Counter Clerk (249.362-010) 
• Counter Clerk (249.366-010) 
• Coupon-redemption Clerk (290.477-010) 
• Curb Attendant (369.477-010) 
• Furniture-rental Consultant (295.357-018) 
• Fur-storage Clerk (369.367-010) 
• Hospital-television-rental Clerk (295.467-018) 
• Laundry Pricing Clerk (216.482-030) 
• Manager, Branch Store (369.467-010) 
• Rug Measurer (369.367-014) 
• Sales Clerk, Food (290.477-018) 
• Self-service-laundry-and-dry-cleaning Attendant (369.677-010) 
• Service-establishment Attendant (369.477-014) 
• Storage-facility Rental Clerk (295.367-026) 
• Tool-and-equipment-rental Clerk (295.357-014) 
• Trailer-rental Clerk (295.467-022) 
• Vault Custodian (369.587-010) 
• Watch-and-clock-repair Clerk (299.367-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Enterprising/Social

COPSystem

• Business Skilled