Every year I say, "I don't need anything, but will tag along". 3 to4 trips out to the truck later with both arms full????? they get me everytime with the deals. I hit the booth with all the military and confiscated stuff. I buy leathermans in bulk from the guy, they are what the airports confiscate and this guy gets them and sells them for a fraction of the price new. Certain booths are always a "must" stop. Togwotee booth, Lava Mtn. booth, Wawa and related type booths, Beer island, Dobsons booth, Polaris (of course), Shadetree, Girls selling t-shirts, Amsoil booth, read the stickers in sticker booth, Klim booths, kinda laugh and point at Cat booth and pass by rapidly. The deals vary year to year. Most consistent deal would be..... left over DVD's in bulk purchases. A favorite booth is the "True Adventure Gear" booth and they did not make Novi last year. It is also fun watching folks treat the the "Jerky stand" as an all you can eat samples and feed the family stand.
The Best deal to me is hooking up with friends with related interest, from around the state, that I see only a couple times a year, having a beer, and catching up on what's new all the while people watching.