Hard work is rewarded, but if you do put in the time you will struggle. - General Manager Fastenal Employee Review

5.0
18 July 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Great opportunities for advancement. - In my experience, promotions are due performance not tenure. If you work hard you can move up quickly. - You are given the ability to give yourself raises by increasing your sales. - Fastenal is only open weekdays. This means no nights and weekends! Most branches are open M-F, 7-5. Even if you work all day every day, a 50 hour week is not unexpected for a management position. Most managers work something in the 7-4 range. (This would be tedious however for one of the sales positions who are not receiving the same type of compensation if you were forced to work the entire day. This will largely depend on your GM but I have not seen Outside Sales forced to work these hours often).

Cons

- With smaller branch sizes, things can become overwhelming if one or two employees move on or quit. - As with any commissioned sales job, if you have a poor sales month, it will reflect on your check. - There are some branches that are less desirable to work at or be assigned to because the sales opportunities are not as great due to a smaller market or poor local economy. However, in my experience, if you do well you will have the ability to transfer to a more desirable store after the standard two your commitment at a location.

Explore other reviews about Fastenal

5.0
30 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good job to have during college. People are easy going and easy to get along with. Overall really good experience

Cons

Gets repetitive after a while

2.0
30 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I like my coworkers and my GM is a good .

Cons

The business model and lean staffing is simply unsustainable. Entry level pay, part time, little training, no commissions. Fastenal is focused on the sale rather than the customer. The wing it mentatility leaves customer service lacking. It's a roll coaster of putting one fire out after the other. They sale the position during the interview process but after your in there's empty promises with no real timelines for when the advancement is coming. Upper management seems out of touch with the day to day business. If you ask for help they simply say you have a good schedule. It's extremely disappointing that it has turned out this way because I was excited about the prospect of becoming an Account manager.

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