My wife and myself start at one end and peruse the offerings. Then on the way back we pick what appears to be the best. For the standard stuff (ie tomatoes, peaches) there's not much difference, but for other things like figs, asparagus, etc. I have found a difference in quality. As for the crowds, we try to get there by 8:30am on Saturday. Unfortunately the smaller "boutique" stands come and go pretty fast.