I normally find a dealer trying to buy something and totally ignoring me as I try to buy something from him. I mark it at about 50/50 for dealers who are interested in being at a show and those who really should have stayed home.
I absolutely agree on the pricing but what can you say? The promoter can't do much to influence the pricing of the dealers.
At one time I ran a bunch of small shows that were very successful (though I normally did them for a non-profit and didn't make any money at it)...generally sold out of dealer tables the first couple of hours after I set the date and sent out the postcard. I just held the cards of the asshole dealers and pikers for a couple of extra days before I sent them out. I was constrained by the size of the room, so once I sold 30 or so tables, I was done. It worked out fine. People who are promoting shows of more than 150 tables probably don't have that luxury.
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