You can get a low price for an animal at a show...there's always risk though...what happens if the snake dies or gets sick soon after? That nameless, faceless vendor is nowhere to be found and you are up the creek...

Buying from a reputable breeder, most of the time, buys not only service but almost a warranty so to speak. Good breeders don't just sell you snakes...they build relationships that last...and no good breeder is going to let you be unhappy over one snake and a relatively small sum of money...