I sent cash, by mail, to Preferred411 for renewal (it is risky, but also anonymous, and an option that they list on the site).  It's been more than two weeks since I'd sent the mail and my account has yet to be renewed.

I used to renew by mail many years ago and there was no problem. I just took a while longer. Like 10 days or so before the transaction was completed.

Personally, I don't mail cash because if there are any issues, I would have no recourse. Pre-Paid Visa gift cards work fine.

Please help me understand -- if a prepaid Visa gift card gets lost in the mail, what is the procedure for recourse?  What records must you keep for that to be possible.  
Thanks!

Sorry if was unclear. I wouldn't send the card either, but use it to pay for renewal online.

Mail delays are pretty bad right now give it a while more to get through.

I have had a consistently good experience renewing by mail (money orders).  Give them some time to response and you should be ok.  Be safe.

Same here, I have mailed money orders for 8 years and never had a problem.   In hindsight, wish I'd bought the lifetime membership way back at the beginning.  

I did it that way for a couple of years, then took the big leap and sent cash for the lifetime membership.  I was  nervous about it,but it worked, and it's nice to not have to worry about annual payments any more.

If you don't mind me asking, which visa gc did you use?

That is anonymous or use a retail giftcard if that is an option. I know that is an option for us ladies if we need to purchase P411 points for upgrades/points