Hi Loggy77,
Sometimes dealers make more, and sometimes less. I've lost as much as $600/lb. In years like this, many dealers are struggling only to break even and be able to stay in the game.
You won't be able to export unless you are a dealer and have all the necessary dealer and agency export permits and licenses. Just having a lot of ginseng doesn't put one on the map for every buyer out there.
The other thing that folks need to understand is that all ginseng is not created equal. I've posted about this before, but there is no dishonesty in the facts. Ginseng from certain parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for instance will never bring high prices. The character of those roots are just not what the market prefers. Also, there is more than one wild ginseng market. Some are for lower grade commercial quality, others are mixed, and others are higher end, looking for aesthetically pleasing specimens. This is why it is so important that diggers learn to dig roots intact and handle them properly.
As for the TV show, those guys cut stuff up in such a way that it causes dramatic effect. One is wise to not take what they represent at face value. For instance, what was the high price in Kentucky last year? 45k for 60 lbs is only $750/lb. I don't think Kentucky was that far behind us, and at the end I was paying over $1000/lb to diggers last year who had high quality, professionally handled lots.
