COUNTER AND RENTAL CLERKS California Occupational Guide Number 511 Interest Area 9 1997
THE JOB
COUNTER AND RENTAL CLERKS take orders from customers and take payment for services. This guide will focus on those Rental Clerk jobs that allow workers to advise customers and help them with rental selections.
Car Rental Agents rent cars to customers at airports, hotels, marinas, business parks or downtown locations. They usually work for large car rental companies with national and international operations. Some work closely with travel agencies, hotels and corporate offices and set up travel arrangements for customers. They talk with customers to help decide on the type of rental car, where the car will be picked up and returned, and the rental dates. Agents figure out deposits and estimate charges. They complete the rental contracts and explain the terms. They collect deposits and record customers' drivers licenses before arranging for deliveries and pick ups. They do a routine car inspection and explain any special features before giving the car to the customer. When the car is returned, agents add up and collect fees and may inspect the car and report any damages to management.
Most Furniture Rental Consultants work in retail store rental departments or separate show rooms. This is a sales job. The rental business is very competitive and, whether showing household or office furniture, a rental consultant's main job is to convince customers to do business with their company. Customers are not always sure what they want. To help them, consultants may explain what is available, what the rental provisions are, the costs and any special deals. They try to get the customer's interest by showing different models and colors of the merchandise, either on the showroom floor or in rental catalogs. They also persuade customers to do business with their company by suggesting other merchandise and helping to make buys follow a decorating theme. They may help customers select floor coverings, drapes, appliances, and office equipment. They sometimes make home or office visits to meet the client's rental needs. To close a deal, consultants add up fees and explain terms. They prepare rental or lease agreements, get customers' signatures and take payments.
Storage Facility Rental Clerks lease space in self-service storage facilities to customers. They inform customers of available space and the rules and rates of the facility. Typical duties are: recording the terms of rental agreements, taking payments, photographing renters to identify them, and watching storage areas with a surveillance camera. Clerks also check the camera to make sure it's working, and they keep equipment and premises clean and neat.
Tool and Equipment Rental Clerks rent tools and equipment to customers. They suggest types of equipment or tools based on customer needs. They start power equipment to show how it works, clean and oil it, and adjust it if necessary. They figure and quote fees. They complete rental contracts and may collect deposits on rentals. Clerks load and tie down big power equipment into customer cars. They inspect returned equipment for damage and collect fees.
Trailer Rental Clerks rent trailers, trucks, and motorized equipment, including boats and vans, to customers. Duties include figuring and quoting rates, preparing rental agreements, and arranging for delivery. Some Trailer Rental Clerks must splice the electrical wires that attach trailer tail-lights to customer cars. Simple hand tools are used to splice the wires.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Rental Clerks work in many environments, depending mainly on the product or service. Furniture and Car Rental Clerks work mostly in well lighted, and nice places. Storage Facility, Trailer, Tools and Equipment Rental Clerks have work areas that are practical and not very fancy.
Rental clerks must be polite and patient with customers, even angry ones. They stand on their feet for most of the shift. Lots of times, they need enough strength to help customers lift heavy things.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Counter and Rental Clerks in California will reach 49,630 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 15,090 over the number there was in 1993.
There will also be an estimated 14,040 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 15,090 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 29,130 job opportunities through 2005.
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages for Counter and Rental Clerks depend on the industry, job duties, and company size and location. Wages are generally higher in big cities. New hires are paid minimum wage to $12.00 per hour. With experience, earnings go from the minimum to $14.50 per hour. Fully experienced workers having three or more years with a company could earn from the minimum to $17.00 per hour. Some clerks, especially in furniture rental, work on commission and can earn up to $15.00 an hour.
Most employers surveyed offer paid vacation and sick leave; some have paid medical insurance coverage. A few larger employers have employee retirement plans.
Rental Clerks can expect to spend some nights, weekends and holidays on the job. They often start a new job working part time, 20 to 30 hours per week.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Employers prefer workers with energy and sales experience. Many employers will accept applicants with no sales experience if they are confident and have the potential to persuade customers to rent things. Employers look for workers who are able to work well with customers, care about their problems, and treat them with courtesy and respect, even in difficult situations. Most employers expect a high school diploma and knowledge of basic business math. Workers applying for these jobs are expected to speak English well, have readable handwriting, and some experience in customer service and cash handling. More and more rental clerks need basic computer skills to use terminals and bar code scanners. Computer knowledge gives applicants an advantage, especially with bigger companies.
ADVANCEMENT
Chances for promotion to higher jobs are mainly in large stores or franchises. In these organizations, an experienced rental clerk may promote to crew leader, supervisor, or in time to department or store manager. Some people move into other retail or wholesale jobs. For example, Car Rental Agents may become car salespersons or leasing representatives.
FINDING THE JOB
Applying to retail stores that have rental show rooms or to stores with a rental department is still the best way to find a job. Both experienced and entry-level job hunters can register for work with the California Employment Development Department, Job Match, an automated system that matches applicants with employer job listings.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Buyers, Retail Trade No. 118 Interior Designers No. 189 Retail Store Managers No. 242
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Tool and Equipment Rental Clerk 295.357-014 Furniture Rental Consultant 295.357-018 Storage Facility Rental Clerk 295.367-026 Trailer Rental Clerk 295.467-022 Automobile Rental Clerk 295.467-026
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Counter and Rental Clerks 490170
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand