I never saw a counter...I signed up for the Chip, or Blue chip program. I had a reservation for a Standard I think it was....Chrysler 200, new clean. I left the luggage area, went out the doors to the garage and my name was on an overhead sign. It had a row no. with my car ready to go. I polite lady told me if it didn't suit me, let her know. I had no problems and was on my way as soon as we stowed the baggage.
On return I stopped near Universal studios for gas. When I pulled into Thrifty/Dollar return I was out of the car, no request of receipts and was on my way inside in a moment.
I hope my next trip I can score a great price again with them. Oh, they did hold $200 while I was in Florida, but not a problem I knew that in advance.it was released ASAP and just the rental amount deducted. If I recall for Sept 2013 it was $139 for the Standard.