Whatever you're doing, do it faster and cheaper. - Inside Sales (Quoting & Estimating) Fastenal Employee Review

2.0
Apr 26, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fastenal does post internal job openings, so you have the opportunity to shift to another job more to your liking or abilities, but you must take tests and apply just like everybody else.

Cons

Training was just about non-existant, despite Fastenal priding themselves in their on-site training facility. It's definitely a "good old boys" network with lots of politics on all levels. You are expected to complete all work regardless of how many hours per week it takes, how many people they haven't replaced, or how many people are on vacation or sick leave. Many people hold second jobs because the pay in Winona is so low. I'm in my 50's and I never worked so hard in such a high stress job as I did at Fastenal. This place is staffed primarily by those 30 and younger. By the way, an Inside Sales position has virtually nothing to do with sales...you're just an order entry person and quoter. If Winona had more jobs, Fastenal would be forced to pay much more and treat their employees better. I was promised a raise and review at 6 months, and at one year, Neither of these ever happened and they denied ever offering either them. They will NOT put anything in writing prior to your hiring, so good luck if they don't come through with their promises. This is NOT the same company that founder Bob Kierlin started!

Explore other reviews about Fastenal

5.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Management is good Hours are negotiable Time off is available Opportunities to move up always available

Cons

No commissions for part time

3.0
Jun 9, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They offer training programs through their internal “Fastenal School of Business.” A few good mentors to guide you should you find one and if you’re willing.

Cons

* Work/Life Balance - No official WFH opportunities. Branch employees were told to report, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. 15 days of PTO (10 for vacation and 5 for sick). You don’t earn additional PTO until the start of the year following your 5 year anniversary. * Pay - pay is inconsistent and they find reasons to change your pay by eliminating and changing titles. Pay is below industry standard and is a base + bonus program for most roles. * Boys Club - Especially in MN/WI area. Positions created or filled for cast off tenured employees to find them another spot rather than termination. Promotions based on political moves instead of merit or opportunities for growth. Positions posted for new roles internally but sometimes not shared with teams to allow for those politically motivated decisons to fill a spot. If a role is only posted for 1-week vs 2-weeks, it usually means they have a specific candidate in mind to take that role. * Cheap & Tacky - Required to travel but not all meals are covered. Welcome to stay at hotel that offers free breakfast but no per diem for lunch or dinner. Some meetings or trainings might provide lunch. When traveling for team meetings or trainings, usually required to share rooms - sometimes with other employees you’ve never met. Encouraged to book rooms using discount codes provided by customers. There is a target room rate they’d like you to hit and sometimes it means driving out of the way. They’d rather the expense hit elsewhere such as fuel and travel versus the room rate.

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