I"m sure you can get a good deal at shows, but first check with local vendors on pricing and service - especially whether they would service a machine bought elsewhere. With these pre-checks you can decide whether the offer is a good one for you. After getting a local dealer's first price, ask them if they could match a price from a vendor at a quilt show - might make them give a better offer. For me, service would be the key - any shipping costs to get it serviced would make that show price not so great.