In dry-cleaning establishments, counter clerks inform customers when items will be ready. In other establishments, 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. When taking orders counter and rental clerks use various types of equipment. In some establishments, they write out tickets and order forms. However, computers and bar code scanners are quickly becoming the norm.
Most computer systems are user friendly and usually require very little data entry.
Scanners read the product code and display a description of the item on a computer screen. Clerks must insure, however, that the data on the screen matches the actual product. Four of every 10 counter and rental clerks work part time. Because firms employing counter and rental clerks generally operate at the convenience of their customers, these workers often work night and weekend hours. However, because of this many employers offer flexible schedules.