convention that are on dealers tables at vastly different prices. Is that too a conspiracy?

The reason you see several chips at the same price at dealers tables is that is probably the value that it is listed in the guide books for.

I think when you make a comment about the guides like you did, not only are you insulting the authors, but you are 100% incorrect.

The authors of the Chip rack have been tracking prices on Ebay for many years. Prices in these guides come from a variety of sources including private sales, Ebay and dealers. Anyone who reads the book would clearly see that as it is stated for all to see.

Doug