Boo, I just had this happen to me for the first time, with an imp of Snake Oil! Fortunately I had some spare imps and a pipette, and managed to save 2/3 of the imp and smear the spill over my shirt, but still. Cap broke clean off and left a ring inside the imp, as described above.
Unfortunately, USPS raised their rates this year (again!) and $30+ is the price of a Priority package. The Lab ships Priority because it's the only international option with tracking/insurance, unlike the cheaper but more unreliable First Class. But yeah, it's horribly pricey...
As a newbie, I've really enjoyed looking through this thread at all the pretty pictures, so I decided to make a small contribution in the shape of the only two LE bottles I've gotten my hands on (though I lack nathanielhebert's photography skills!)
Dyan Moon (June 2008)
Night's Pavilion (Lupercalia 2011)