If you're like me, and very picky about the quality that you want, scouting out and waiting isn't always the best strategy, because chances are if it's something that I really like and want, so will someone else, and it won't be available when I'm ready to negotiate.
Because of this, I shop the snake, not the price. It's rare these days that I find an animal that passes muster for me to consider bringing home from a show. The last time I did was my fire female, and I paid a couple hundred more for her than the rest of the fires being offered at the show, because her quality was hands down, far more exceptional than the rest. Getting the very best example (to MY standards) is more important than negotiating prices.
However, if your goal isn't the same as mine, it may be worth the risk to wait and negotiate if quality is less important to you. Some shows I see rainbow boas, others I don't. It's hit or miss.