How does Costco cake ordering change?

Bakery orders move from clipboard to app for faster pickups

Costco has moved custom cake ordering into its mobile app, replacing the longtime in-store clipboard process many shoppers found awkward and slow. The change brings a common in-aisle chore—filling out a paper form and waiting in line—into a digital workflow customers can complete before they arrive.

What this does for shoppers

• Speeds the process: Entering specifications, dates, and personalization details in the app reduces time at the bakery counter and clarifies orders for staff.
• Lowers confusion: An app-based form can include photos, size options, and clear templated choices that used to be hard to communicate on a clipboard.
• Enables planning: Customers can place orders while they’re at home or on the go, which helps when arranging birthday cakes or other event orders.

What to watch for

• Availability and rollout: The feature is rolling out across the retailer’s app; some locations may still use the old system until the change is fully implemented.
• Limits of customization: App templates simplify ordering but may not capture every bespoke request; for unusual designs, a phone call or in-person visit may remain necessary.

Overall, shifting custom-bakery orders into the app is a straightforward modernization that aligns Costco with broader retail trends: digitize routine tasks to cut friction at checkout and make in-store trips quicker and more predictable.