Funny how it works. I have tables at a few gun shows. I sometimes sell enough to cover expenses, sometimes a lot more, and, if I buy a few guns, nowhere near enough to cover expenses. I know what the guys are talking about, some dealers ask high prices. Some are quite reasonable. Yes, there is some trading among dealers.
I enjoy meeting people. I had a little milsurp display at the Regina show. Had a barrel of fun. I paid for those tables as well. Didn't sell a nickel's worth on Sunday. One thing the little display (17 rifles) did what shut the supposed experts up, you know, the guys who shadow a newbie and carefully explain how this rifle and that shotgun are no good.
There are lots of goodies at every show. I found an unopened package of Romanian 7.92 ammo from 1943. I had never seen any in all my years of collecting such things. Also found a Savage 99 takedown in 30-30. It was pretty scruffy, so I had Deaner work his magic on it.