I sent in my VIP money order more than a month ago, using a mail service that should have taken no more than 8 days but that, unfortunately, did not have proof of delivery. So, no VIP, and I'm running out of time to plan/get screened for an upcoming trip. I've sent two emails to providers, based only on what I could see from non VIP review info, and one the provider's web sites. (I still don't know what the others rates are, but can probably guess.) At this point I've kind of given up on the VIP - TER says they haven't received it.

So, should I go ahead with just what I have so far, or write the whole thing off until my next trip, by which time I could get a VIP?

I sent a cashiers check, air mail, it takes about three weeks from the US. They approved it no problem, maybe check with your bank?