Good introduction to sales - Sales Trainee/Outside Sales Fastenal Employee Review

2.0
Jun 19, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

lots of freedom, vending solutions and vendor managed inventory can be a fulfilling sell, if you want to relocate or wait for your GM to quit you can advance pretty easy

Cons

Where do I start! Probably the worst paying outside sales job ever (try living on 36,000 in the city), Fastenal has very high prices unless you're selling to a larger company. Nothing is more infuriating then having walk-in customers who need 5 bolts for their bike, if you are in a branch that isn't making 50,000+ you get stuck as a Sales trainee making a measly 36k @ 44 hours a week ($17/hr).

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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