SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Attorney General Marty Jackley says his office investigates complaints every spring and summer from South Dakotans bilked by transient contractors.
Bobbi Adams with the Department of Revenue advises getting a price quote, in advance, in writing. Don't pay the entire quote up front, ask for local references and get an address and phone number but don't assume that if the information is local, that they are a local business.
Adams says the department really relies on the citizens of South Dakota to provide the eyes and ears all over the state. She says it's important to make sure that all those transient vendors coming in are licensed and operating on the same playing field as the local businesses.
If the vendor can't provide a South Dakota business tax license, contact the Department of Revenue or local authorities.
Meanwhile...As if on cue, police say two men, going door-to-door selling cleaning products, were arrested yesterday for not having a peddler's permit or a state sales tax license.
Officer Sam Clemens says always ask for the permit and license first.
Clemens says one of the excuses some vendor give is that the saleman's company or boss has the necessary paperwork. He says that's not good enough, evey salesman must have his/her own copies of the licence and permit.
Peddlers arrested a first time face a misdemeanor charge but a second arrest for a failure to produce a license is a felony.
Clemens says non-profits and fundraising efforts are exempt from having licenses.