Two antagonistic words in the same sentence!?
Just words, or a state-of-mind?

My experience tells me that beads at a decent price* cannot be found in some multi-searched "bead-box" of any big city. Instead as close to the source, as close to the diggers - to say it as-it-is - as possible.

It always depends on what one is looking for, of course, but rare ancient beads of value cannot be found for pennies in London, Paris, NYC or Berlin. One needs a visa, time, experience, guts for adventure and connections.

* I am not sure "low prices" should be the goal for anyone. "Fair prices" sounds better to me! There's not only the buyer, there's also the seller. And he, most likely, has a bigger hole in his pocket!