Counter and Rental Clerks
Overview
Counter and rental clerks help customers rent equipment, tools, and other items while providing excellent customer service. They use computer systems and point-of-sale technology to process rentals, explain policies, calculate costs, and handle payments. This job requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with diverse customers in a fast-paced retail environment. Many clerks also work in teams and may have flexible scheduling options.
Did you know?
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential as American consumers expect high-quality service experiences and positive interactions at rental counters.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$38,864.51 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Monitoring
Key Responsibilities
- Reserve items for requested times and keep records of items rented.
- Advise customers on use and care of merchandise.
- Recommend and provide advice on a wide variety of products and services.
- Prepare merchandise for display or for purchase or rental.
- Inspect and adjust rental items to meet needs of customer.
- Rent items, arrange for provision of services to customers, and accept returns.
- Greet customers and discuss the type, quality, and quantity of merchandise sought for rental.
- Receive orders for services, such as rentals, repairs, dry cleaning, and storage.
- Receive, examine, and tag articles to be altered, cleaned, stored, or repaired.
- Explain rental fees, policies, and procedures.
- Keep records of transactions and of the number of customers entering an establishment.
- Provide information about rental items, such as availability, operation, or description.
- Prepare rental forms, obtaining customer signature and other information, such as required licenses.
- Compute charges for merchandise or services and receive payments.
- Allocate equipment to participants in sporting events or recreational activities.
- Answer telephones to provide information and receive orders.
Career Considerations
Customer Service Excellence
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential as American consumers expect high-quality service experiences and positive interactions at rental counters.
Technology Proficiency
Familiarity with digital rental management systems, point-of-sale software, and mobile applications is increasingly important in the modernizing American rental industry.
Industry Advancement Opportunities
Many rental companies in the US offer clear career progression paths from counter clerk to supervisor, manager, or specialized roles in fleet management and operations.