Occupation · SOC 41-2021
Counter and Rental Clerks
Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services. May describe available options, compute cost, and accept payment.
Median wage
$38,540
$28,580–$62,030
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
398,620
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
1 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingService OrientationReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingWritingTime ManagementMonitoringCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningInstructingOperations MonitoringManagement of Personnel ResourcesMathematicsManagement of Material ResourcesLearning StrategiesSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisOperation and ControlManagement of Financial ResourcesTroubleshootingTechnology DesignRepairingQuality Control AnalysisEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceProgrammingScienceOperations AnalysisInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministrativeSales and MarketingAdministration and ManagementMathematicsTransportationComputers and ElectronicsPublic Safety and SecurityProduction and ProcessingCommunications and MediaEconomics and AccountingEducation and TrainingTelecommunicationsPersonnel and Human ResourcesPsychologyDesignGeographyLaw and GovernmentMechanicalSociology and AnthropologyPhilosophy and TheologyForeign LanguageChemistryFood ProductionEngineering and TechnologyPhysicsFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryBiologyBuilding and ConstructionHistory and Archeology
Technology & tools
Database softwareInventory management systemsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordOracle DatabasePoint of sale POS softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicDocumenting/Recording InformationProcessing InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsWorking with ComputersSelling or Influencing OthersGetting InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAssisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsTraining and Teaching OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping and Building TeamsAnalyzing Data or InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoaching and Developing OthersHandling and Moving ObjectsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentScheduling Work and ActivitiesStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Rental fees and basic policies — explain to customers using provided rate sheets at a counter or rental desk under direct supervisor guidance.Customer greetings and initial inquiries — conduct in a friendly and attentive manner at a retail or rental counter following established scripts.Merchandise charges and payments — compute and process using a point-of-sale system with close supervision on a standard shift.Rental orders for services such as equipment or dry cleaning — receive and record accurately in an order log under direct oversight.Product availability and basic descriptions — provide to customers by referencing inventory management software with supervisor assistance.Incoming telephone inquiries — answer and route using standard greeting procedures at a rental or service counter with coaching.Rental items before and after customer use — inspect for visible damage or missing parts following a supervisor-provided checklist.Customer instructions on use and basic care of rental merchandise — deliver using printed guides and verbal prompts from a team lead.Daily paperwork and order forms — complete legibly and accurately using office suite software under direct supervision in a rental environment.Customer needs and concerns — recognize and report to a supervisor, demonstrating attentive listening during face-to-face service interactions.
developing
Rental fees, policies, and procedures — explain clearly and confidently to customers with varying levels of familiarity at a busy service counter.Charges for merchandise and multiple service types — compute accurately and process payments through POS software with minimal oversight during a standard workday.Orders for rentals, repairs, and storage services — receive, enter, and track using inventory management software in a moderately paced rental environment.Customer questions about item operation, availability, and condition — address thoroughly by referencing internal databases and product knowledge gained through on-the-job experience.Rental equipment and accessories — inspect, adjust, and prepare to meet individual customer requirements before each rental period with routine supervision.Telephone orders and informational inquiries — manage efficiently while balancing simultaneous in-person customer traffic at a counter.Customer advice on merchandise use and care — provide accurately based on product training and hands-on familiarity with common rental inventory.Inventory records and daily transaction spreadsheets — maintain and update using spreadsheet and inventory software to support accurate stock management.Customer body language and satisfaction cues — monitor during service interactions to proactively address concerns and improve service quality.Routine scheduling conflicts or overbooked rental items — resolve by applying established procedures and coordinating with colleagues on the service floor.
proficient
Complex rental transactions involving multiple items, deposits, and variable pricing — process independently and accurately using POS and inventory management systems.Non-routine customer complaints about rental charges, damaged items, or service errors — investigate and resolve autonomously following company policy and sound judgment.Full rental intake and return process — manage end-to-end, including inspection, adjustment, fee calculation, and documentation, without supervisory involvement.Customer advisory conversations about specialized or high-value rental merchandise — lead with authority, drawing on deep product knowledge and practical use experience.Inventory discrepancies identified through database and spreadsheet analysis — diagnose root causes and coordinate corrective actions across counter staff.Rental policies, fee structures, and operational procedures — interpret and apply consistently across atypical customer situations encountered during a shift.Written customer communications including confirmation emails and service summaries — compose clearly and professionally using office suite and email software.High-volume telephone and in-person service demands — coordinate and prioritize effectively, ensuring accurate order entry and minimal customer wait time.New rental products and updated service offerings — evaluate and develop working knowledge quickly to advise customers and update internal reference materials.Service quality gaps or recurring operational inefficiencies — identify through active monitoring of daily workflows and escalate with documented observations to management.
advanced
Counter and rental service standards, policies, and procedures — define and communicate organizationally, ensuring consistent application across all staff and shifts.New counter and rental clerks — mentor and train systematically using structured on-the-job coaching aligned to POS, inventory, and customer service best practices.Rental pricing strategies and fee schedules — analyze competitive and cost data to recommend updates that align revenue goals with customer satisfaction.Inventory management systems and workflow tools — evaluate, configure, and optimize at an organizational level to improve accuracy and operational throughput.Staff performance across service quality, transaction accuracy, and customer interaction — monitor using reports and observation, delivering structured feedback for continuous improvement.Recurring customer service issues and systemic process failures — investigate at an organizational level and implement corrective procedures that prevent recurrence.Customer satisfaction and retention metrics — interpret trend data across counter and rental operations to guide strategic service improvements and staff development priorities.Cross-functional coordination with warehouse, maintenance, and administrative teams — lead to ensure rental inventory is maintained, available, and accurately reflected in systems.Counter operations during peak periods, staffing gaps, or system outages — oversee and adapt in real time, maintaining service continuity and team performance.Organizational policies on rental agreements, liability, and customer confidentiality — develop and enforce to ensure compliance, integrity, and consistent front-line practice.
Also known as
85 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Airplane Charter ClerkApartment Rental ClerkApparel Rental ClerkAuto Rental ClerkAutomobile Rental ClerkAutomotive Customer Service Advisor (Auto Customer Service Advisor)Baby Stroller Rental ClerkBicycle Rental ClerkBoat Rental ClerkBoats RenterCar Rental AgentCheck Out ClerkClerk CashierClock Repair ClerkCounter AttendantCounter CheckerCounter ClerkCounter HelperCounter PersonCounter Sales AssociateCounter Sales Representative (Counter Sales Rep)Counter SalespersonCounter Service RepresentativeCoupon Redemption ClerkCurb AttendantDesk AttendantDesk GreeterDry Cleaners Counter ClerkDry Cleaning AttendantDry Cleaning Counter ClerkEquipment AssociateEquipment Rental ClerkEquipment Rental SpecialistExchange ClerkFood Sales ClerkFur Storage ClerkFurniture Rental ConsultantHospital Television Rental ClerkInstant Return Representative (Instant Return Rep)Laundry Clerk