Terrible culture / pyramid sales (drink the Blue Kool-Aid) - Outside Sales Representative Fastenal Employee Review

2.0
Jul 9, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Learned a great deal about sales! From A through Z. Responsible for your Book of Business all the way through. Managing customer, product knowledge, entering sales into their POS system, unloading trucks in the AM, making deliveries, cutting PO’s with vendors for customers items that Fastenal doesn’t carry in wheelhouse. Including, Accounts Receiving, on past dues clients. So, one will learn a great deal!

Cons

All the above Pros are significantly, under compensated. False promises, low commissions for all Sales Reps (Inside or Outside). It’s a pyramid based, panzie scheme meant to only reward Management and Shareholders.

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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