Empty Promises - Warehouse Laborer Fastenal Employee Review

1.0
Oct 4, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The job really doesn't take any brain power. Decent pay. Will work with school schedule (sometimes) It is incredibly difficult to get fired. You would have to actively try to do so.

Cons

3 interviews required for even the most basic of jobs (which is inefficient). ZERO training provided Management does not follow through on promises They will not give you pay raises no matter how long you've been there Performance bonuses/perks are misguided Inaccurate measurement metrics used to judge performance Will promise you assistance/promotional opportunities through phrases like "we promote from within," and "we take pride in our training" however, they will not fulfill those promises. No incentives for education/tuition reimbursement/ other programs which promote any intelligence in staffing

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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