Clearly at least a few people commenting have experience doing train shows. I still wonder how many folks giving advice on how to sell trains have experience doing so.
C.W. , makes an astute observation. I did it for 15 years, in the 80s and 90s. Sometimes it took a few shows to figure out the pricing. Today with smart phones and auction results you should be able to figure the price. The price guides were always inflated. I always priced the Getty Tank cars at $100.00, cause there was a show every year where a lady would buy all I had for $100 each. Were they worth that? Only at that one show.
But, it's a free market, jump in and try your hand at it. If the market is over priced, then it should be quick and easy for you to monopolize the market.
Much like all the advice we see on the internet about what Lionel, MTH or others should do or should produce. If its that easy, then take a shot at it. MTH took on Lionel. Didn't happen overnight but looks like they are direct competitors these days.
Why do people carry the same merchandise from show to show? I don't know, but it's good for me that they come and buy tables and help fill up the hall. They are supporting the existence of that particular train show. If space is a problem, then shows will begin limiting the number of tables per vendor. Until then, I can quickly bypass those tables I have seen before and move on to greener pastures.
Just like the prices on this forum. Some ads sell out very quickly while other ads go into the: final price before ebay, last reduction, new lower price, only 42 left, ... phase of advertising.
2 rail, 3 rail, tubular track, ross, gargraves, DCS, legacy, lobster claws, weathering, scenery, HO, G, thank God at this point none of it is outlawed or controlled by a gov't agency. And yes you can run your trains just before you go to bed, day or night. Ain't this country great.