Whether renting videos, air compressors, or moving vans or dropping off clothes to be dry-cleaned or appliances to be serviced, customers rely on counter clerks to handle their transactions efficiently. Although the specific duties of these workers vary by establishment, counter clerks answer questions involving product availability, cost, and rental provisions. Counter clerks also take orders, calculate fees, receive payments, and accept returned merchandise.

Regardless of where they work, counter clerks must be knowledgeable about the company’s goods and services, policies, and procedures. Depending on the type of establishment, counter 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 and about 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 also must know how to operate and care for the machinery rented. In dry-cleaning establishments, counter clerks inform customers when items will be ready and about the effects, if any, of the chemicals used on garments. 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 clerks use various types of equipment. In some establishments, they write out tickets and order forms, although most use computers or barcode scanners. Most of these computer systems are user friendly, require very little data entry, and are customized for each 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.

The job requires constant interaction with the public and can be stressful, especially during busy periods.

Counter clerks typically start at the minimum wage.

Working conditions usually are 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. Also, depending on the type of establishment, clerks may be required to move, lift, or carry heavy machinery or other equipment.

Depending on the type of establishment, counter clerks may work days, nights and weekends for the convenience of their customers.

Most counter clerk jobs are entry-level positions that require little or no experience and minimal formal education. However, many employers prefer workers with at least a high school diploma.

In most companies, counter clerks are trained on the job, sometimes through the use of videos, brochures, and pamphlets. Clerks usually learn how to operate a firm’s equipment and become familiar with the firm’s policies and procedures under the observation of a more experienced worker. However, some employers have formal classroom training programs lasting from a few hours to a few weeks. Topics covered in this training include the nature of the industry, the company and its policies and procedures, operation of equipment, sales techniques, and customer service. Counter clerks also must become familiar with the different products and services rented or provided by their company to give customers the best possible service.

Counter clerks should enjoy working with people and should have the ability to deal tactfully with difficult customers. They also should be able to handle several tasks at once, while continuing to provide friendly service. In addition, good oral and written communication skills are essential.

Companies are interested in clerks who have knowledge in their industry. For example, a pianist could prove invaluable at a piano company because of their knowledge of, and familiarity with, pianos.

Counter clerks are employed throughout the country, but are concentrated in metropolitan areas, where personal services and renting and leasing services are in greater demand.

Many companies offer employees on the goods or services they provide.

Advancement opportunities depend on the size and type of company. Many establishments that employ counter clerks tend to be small businesses, making advancement difficult. In larger establishments, however, jobs such as counter clerks offer good opportunities for workers to learn about their company’s products and business practices. These jobs can lead to more responsible positions. It is common in many establishments to promote counter clerks to event planner, assistant manager, or salesperson.