Great place before the recession. Now who cares, we just get the boxes from A to B. - Distribution Fastenal Employee Review

1.0
Apr 15, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pretty relaxed schedule. Pay is ok when you can figure out how the bonus works (good luck). A few fun people to work with. My leaders (in my DC) understand my frustrations. Ability to move around within the DC and learn everything.

Cons

Wow where to begin!! Without revealing too many details (afraid "they" will find out who I am) lets just say that Fastenal has turned a lot of career minded, dedicated, hard working "team members" into employees who couldn't care less. Since the circus of 08-09 nobody cares. We all learned how little we matter. Fastenal has turned into a good place to get experience to build your resume. I know some of the big boys read these or at least hear about them. That's how I know none of them care. Nobody cares anymore, nobody. Our bonus program has changed at least ten times. Not too long ago it changed after the quarter had ended and that change applied to the work we had already done. So the payout was going to be a lot more than they (he) wanted and so they (he) threw in some BS, bonus lowering category. So even if you work all quarter exceeding the expectation you were given it doesn't matter. They (he) will find a way to make sure you don't get the money you earned. I m no attorney but I can't believe that this is legal. Oh they get around that by calling it a bonus, a bonus that you have to depand on because your salary is so low. From what I have heard the store employees commission pay is way more messed up. They have so many factors I haven't meet someone yet who can explain it to me. Fastenal won't make it another 48 years at the rate it's going. Something has to change and now! People around me (including myself) are preparing themselves financially to leave. I predict in 5 years a lot of the good people will be gone. Then again they will just replace you with the next 19 year old at a fraction of the pay. Oh yeah don't get on here and post your "I don't know what your talking about" BS either. If you honestly think everything is cookies and cupcakes your one of the reasons why it's not. Ever wonder why the employee satisfaction survey results were never released? Get a grip!

Explore other reviews about Fastenal

5.0
Apr 30, 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

4.0
Jul 9, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great company culture, love the investment they put in for career advancement. Great people to work with, CEO is amazing but he's stepping down this month. Benefits are good. Decentralized organization so your ideas and solutions actually get listened to and implemented. Feel like I'm actually making a difference in the company.

Cons

Pay is lower than the industry average for most departments and they don't keep up with the cost of living, don't do bonuses (unless you're in sales) or pay raises. You have to ask to get one and most times they say no. Very male dominant at the branches and in sales, but many women in corporate leadership. Don't have any DEI initiatives. Not flexible on relocation for internal management roles, have to be at corporate HQ in Winona, MN.

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