My Very Unscientific Coin Show Observations

I have been to a few small shows.




I've thought about trying to trade but my wife doesn't like the idea of getting rid of any of our stuff.

Haggling certainly takes some practice and getting used to, but it is very worthwhile, even if all you say to the seller is, "is that your best price" on ANY item you are seriously interested in, even low ticket stuff.
As a thirty year veteran of the [automotive] flea market circuit, haggling is second nature to me. It is not always successful, but sometimes the discounts a dealer is willing to give are surprising. But you will never know unless you ask. Always be friendly and polite. Insulting merchandise or asking prices will quickly gain you a reputation as someone not worth the time and effort.
Like others have said, nothing beats having the item in hand. Sure, the internet has changed everything-- except human nature. It seems that pure greed has overtaken ebay and other online outlets. Haggling via the keyboard is a hassle. Lots of dealers seem to have forgotten the concept of 'room' in their pricing. A buyer wants to feel secure that if that high ticket item he just acquired had to be turned loose tomorrow due to some unforseen circumstance, he could get back at least what he paid for it. So there is always going to be that dynamic between buyers looking for a bargain, and sellers wanting 'tomorrow's price today'. Do not be hesitant about passing up an overpriced specimen that you really like. There are always going to be more items available in most everyone's price range, especially today with so much generational changeover taking place. Also the more outlets one explores, both local and online, the more choices one has. If the seller is too firm and most prices seem way over the top, simply walking away might be the best message you can send.

There are law enforcement officers at the coin shows here. I doubt anyone running towards the exit could leave without being stopped. I would be more concerned about legerdemain than a brute force "smash and grab."

My budget is the low, low triple digits and I never leave a show unsatisfied. I suppose I am fortunate that my local shows have a diverse group of dealers who can satisfy both the high and low end collectors.