Counter and rental clerksWhether renting videotapes, air compressors, or moving vans, or dropping off clothes to be drycleaned or appliances to be serviced, we rely on counter and rental clerks to handle these transactions efficiently. Although the specific duties of these workers vary by establishment, counter and rental clerks answer questions involving product availability, cost, and rental provisions. Counter and rental clerks also take orders, calculate fees, receive payments, and accept returned merchandise. (Cashiers and retail salespersons, two 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, ranging from hydraulic tools to shoe repair. For example, in the car rental industry, these workers inform customers about the features of different types of automobiles, as well as daily and weekly rental costs. They also ensure that customers meet age and other requirements for renting cars, and they indicate when and in what condition the cars must be returned. Those in the equipment rental industry have similar duties, but must also know how to operate and care for the machinery rented. In drycleaning establishments, counter clerks inform customers when items will be ready and what the effects, if any, of the chemicals used on garments are. In video rental stores, counter clerks advise customers about the use of video and game players and the length of a rental, scan returned movies and games, restock shelves, handle money, and log daily reports. When taking orders, counter and rental clerks use various types of equipment. In some establishments, they write out tickets and order forms, although most use computers or bar-code scanners. Most of these computer systems are user friendly, require very little data entry, and are customized for the firm. Scanners read the product code and display a description of the item on a computer screen. However, clerks must ensure that the data on the screen pertain to the product. Related news articles Lapses alleged in sale of KMC nomination forms - Oct 4, 2006 Hindustan Times,The counter clerk is selling forms for more than the stipulated price and even the peon assigned the job of putting the official seal on the form is charging ... Enough to make you sick - Oct 12, 2006 The Gloucester County Times,None of them looked up at me to acknowledge my presence or say "Hi," even though most of them know me. There was one counter clerk. ... New Ray Of Energy Zaps Talk Show Format - Sep 17, 2006 Tampa Tribune,Network in 2001. And she's not a chef. The former candy-counter clerk rose rapidly in Food Network's pecking order. She now has ... Zgaga earns Futures berth - Sep 18, 2006 Waco Tribune Herald,ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT We are the largest and fastest growing trailer ma....(more). Parts Counter Clerk Growing company is in need of counter help. ... Bosqueville 65, Moody 6 - Sep 22, 2006 Waco Tribune Herald,One wh....(more). Parts Counter Clerk Growing company is in need of counter help. Must have....(more). ELECTRICIAN - State (TX) License Journeyman & exp. ... POLICE NEWS: 3 injured in McGregor wreck - Sep 20, 2006 Waco Tribune Herald,Limited positions available for sale....(more). Parts Counter Clerk Growing company is in need of counter help. Must have....(more). ... Knock Worst - Sep 18, 2006 Press-Enterprise (subscription),Rick Truskowski moans that counter clerk June Larrabee's constant singing drives him from his Hemet True Value Hardware store. When ... POLICE NEWS: Bicyclist killed crossing South Valley Mills Drive - Sep 17, 2006 Waco Tribune Herald,...a Division of Knife River Corp. is seeking....(more). Parts Counter Clerk Growing company is in need of counter help. Must have....(more). ... A penny for your thoughts: When customers don't complain - Sep 27, 2006 Knowledge@W. P. Carey (Subscription),Southwest Airlines told a customer that they didn't want his business ever again after he was verbally abusive to a counter clerk when a flight was delayed.". ... Julia "Judy" (Femec) Zivkovich - Sep 29, 2006 News-Herald.com,St. Christine Chriseniors Club. Mrs. Zivkovich worked as a counter clerk for Euclid Race Dairy, retiring in 1976. Survivors are ... More information on Counter and rental clerks from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Counter and rental clerks occupation Number of Counter and rental clerks in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Counter and rental clerks Working conditions for Counter and rental clerks Significant points for Counter and rental clerks Training requirements for Counter and rental clerks Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |