Agreed with JTSplumbing. Some of these show "bargains" can cost more elsewhere. In my opinion the show is best for tool testing.
If you have your eye on something expensive then go along and try it out. Do some comparisons. Check the features. Ask the salesmen questions.
But dont buy!!
Another thing that can be good to do is to take along catalogues (like the screwfix) to price compare on general items.
There has been a real shift now in people coming to look but not buy. Lots and lots of people just want a leaflet, a chat and a bit of a day out.
(Hence the fun with the girls, footballs, games) and no real spending is done on stand. After all lots of guys dont want to lug heavy equipment - even to their vans outside !!!
My advice is to go. To look. And then to buy later. It goes against the grain (lots of these salesmen are on commision)
The other thing to do is sometime to get them to bulk up on freebies and extras if you do decide to buy.
At the end of the day price is a factor in anything but I guess the shows are trying to provide a service by bringing together big name manufacuters who often like to showcase their latest equipment to make sure you get to see if first. But I am convinced that the days of "bargains" have gone.
Maybe they should start "Factory clearance shows..." So instead of cutting edge new equipment its a show to get rid of obsolete stock??? Hmmm an Idea !!