Between the long drives and the long lectures, I would only recommend this job to someone with no where else to go. - OUTSIDE SALES Fastenal Employee Review

2.0
12 Feb 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

* Availability to advance through the company in time * Easy to take time off when you need to * Very decentralized if that is your cup of tea

Cons

* The career process for the company focuses on only two things, how much you can sell, and how long you stick to it. There are hardly any instances where your hard work are appreciated and half of those times, the praise comes off as sarcastic from all levels of superiors. * While income is dependent on self progress, paychecks are dependent on the market in the area, how well the last OSP was in your territory, and just how lucky you are.

Explore other reviews about Fastenal

5.0
9 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Management is good Hours are negotiable Time off is available Opportunities to move up always available

Cons

No commissions for part time

3.0
9 June 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They offer training programs through their internal “Fastenal School of Business.” A few good mentors to guide you should you find one and if you’re willing.

Cons

* Work/Life Balance - No official WFH opportunities. Branch employees were told to report, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. 15 days of PTO (10 for vacation and 5 for sick). You don’t earn additional PTO until the start of the year following your 5 year anniversary. * Pay - pay is inconsistent and they find reasons to change your pay by eliminating and changing titles. Pay is below industry standard and is a base + bonus program for most roles. * Boys Club - Especially in MN/WI area. Positions created or filled for cast off tenured employees to find them another spot rather than termination. Promotions based on political moves instead of merit or opportunities for growth. Positions posted for new roles internally but sometimes not shared with teams to allow for those politically motivated decisons to fill a spot. If a role is only posted for 1-week vs 2-weeks, it usually means they have a specific candidate in mind to take that role. * Cheap & Tacky - Required to travel but not all meals are covered. Welcome to stay at hotel that offers free breakfast but no per diem for lunch or dinner. Some meetings or trainings might provide lunch. When traveling for team meetings or trainings, usually required to share rooms - sometimes with other employees you’ve never met. Encouraged to book rooms using discount codes provided by customers. There is a target room rate they’d like you to hit and sometimes it means driving out of the way. They’d rather the expense hit elsewhere such as fuel and travel versus the room rate.

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