• PIERRE, S.D. - Transient vendor season is underway in South Dakota, a time when out-of-state vendors roll into the state to sell their products and services.  While many of the vendors are legitimate, the South Dakota Department of Revenue advises people to take common-sense steps to ensure vendors are reputable before doing business with them.
• If you're considering hiring a person to provide repair or construction services, the department advises you to:
• • Ask for a price quote, in advance, in writing.
• • Question the contractor about a permanent address and telephone number, and don't assume that if the information they provide is local, they're a local business.  Transient vendors often have business cards printed with local mailing services or motel addresses and telephone numbers.
• • Ask for a list of local references and check them before making a decision.
• • Ask if the contractor has worker's compensation and general liability insurance.  If vendors are not properly insured, homeowners may be liable for accidents that occur on their property.
• • Be careful about paying for work in advance; before making final payments, make sure transient vendors have paid their local suppliers or you may be held liable for unpaid materials.
• • Make sure you're completely satisfied with the work before paying the bill, and don't pay more for the job than originally quoted unless you've given written ap

(Continued on page 7)