that's pretty common. most places will charge you a quarter or so for a bag/board. or else they only do it for those with subs. besides, you buy comics to read them and enjoy them. not preserve them, right?
I buy bags and boards by the 100. They are a bit less than a quarter apiece.
I buy comics for my fiance to read; I also buy comics for myself to read. I also buy comics to collect.
The TPBs/graphic novels are lined up in order on one of my bookshelves. The single issues are all in this comic storage box/crate thing.
My manga are all lined up on a few selves.