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Rick has a lot of good points - be over prepared in every detail sums up a bunch of them for me. Be on time if not early. There will always be unexpected distractions, good and bad, that will slow you down, so be super organized. As a collector, it seems to me that organization is critical to knowing what I need so I can hop on opportunities. It must be even more important for dealers. Expect lots of offers, some will be lowball, don't take it personal, it's just business, Charlie.
For what it's worth, at a dealer's booth, what I like to see (and I am likely in a minority as a low grade, relatively poor, patient set collector) are these:
Discount boxes to paw through for hits to my wantlists, for variations, for upgrades, for deals on stuff I can trade to buddies.
I like a dealer to acknowledge me, then don't hover, let me look around. Be low key - the slightest hint of any pressure puts me off and I will walk, but that's me I guess.
I like to see prices on everything, I don't like to ask.
I like to have a chair available if I am going to take time (and I can take hours) looking through boxes.
I like quantity discounts when I buy a bunch.
Don't be alone (for long days) - I have helped a number of dealers take a break for food, bathroom, coffee, etc, by watching their booth for a few minutes. These dealers know me, at least a little, but desperation can set in when you need to go. I can't imagine doing a show alone. I hear horror stories of shoplifters - how can one person watch a busy booth - impossible!
Be prepared with snacks, drinks, real food, not junk that you can buy there, and keep yourself hydrated and fed when things are slow. I don't mind seeing you eat, it's a thing humans do.
Try to be rested before you go - the days are long and can be stressful, relax, have fun and enjoy. Watch the human parade. It's just cardboard in the end.
Good luck!
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