Most frugal company in America and it is reflected in all aspects of the job - General Manager Fastenal Employee Review

1.0
Apr 18, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You will be paid a paycheck You will learn how to sell in a territory You are on your own most of the time

Cons

Pay is extremely low If you sell a giant bin stock of fasteners, guess who's putting it all together and delivering it? You, the sales guy! Guess who's making the collection calls? You! The sales guy! Guess who's cleaning the stores bathrooms? You! The sales guy! Guess who will be doing 1000 other things besides actually selling, and then asked why your numbers are so low? You of course! The sales guy! Guess who will be counting the stores inventory every month for cycle counts? You! The sales guy! It's not really a sales job. It's more like they throw a business at you and say "here, run it" You're supposed to feel honored that you work for a company with "decentralized" decision making when in reality all of the decisions are made up already and you simply are supposed to follow them.

Explore other reviews about Fastenal

5.0
Jan 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This role at Fastenal has great benefits and has a lot of potential for growth.

Cons

The job responsibilities vary day to day. Lots of different requirements of the job.

2.0
Jun 30, 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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