Building Block - OUTSIDE SALES Fastenal Employee Review

2.0
30 Sept 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-Great relationships within my branch. -Great experience learning how to sell B2B from maintenance, purchasing agents, up to president's of large companies. -A lot of autonomy as far as which customer's will be called upon and how you will sell them. -Opportunity to sell a solution. Our Fastenal Vending machines are very unique in the way we stock them and without an actual contract being signed. -Opportunity to manage a book of business like it was your own.

Cons

-No advancement opportunity in my area -50 hour work week minimum. Note: Working only 50hrs per week(salary) you will not be successful by your 2nd year. -Turn over. I'm the longest standing member at my branch @ 2.5 years. -Pay. Base pay is $2200. $2200/4(weeks)=$550 per week. $550(per week)/55(hours per week)= $10/hr. Note:Granted there is commission ranging from $400 up to infinitive per mo. depending on revenue and vertical growth. But, most likely $400-1200/per mo. in commission is the norm. -55 hours per work week isn't just selling. You are the salesman, the counter clerk, the receiving department, product procurement, vending machine filler, and the accounting department when your sales go past net 30. Wearing multiple hats is an understatement. -Too many directions and those directions are constantly changing. Our new president is returning the company to more simplicity which is a good thing. However, we are still pushing several agendas at once. -No appreciation for a job well done. You sold the highest $ amount in the district in our bounty promotion in August? Cool. But, why can't you do it again in September? -Guys, in conclusion.. this company is made for someone out there who graduated high school or college and wants to work really hard without looking at their opportunity cost. This company will wear you down with their frequent questionable decisions and lack of appreciation.

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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