I ordered a cake using Costco's 'mysterious' box system, and will never doubt the big-box retailer's methods again

Jordan Parker ErbJun 5, 2023, 23:11 IST

The custom Costco cake came on time and exactly as requested.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

In May, a tweet shed light on Costco's cake-ordering process, which some people called outdated.
You can't call to order — you must write your order on a form and physically slip it into a box.

Last month, a tweet about Costco's cake-ordering process went viral, with the big-box retailer's method baffling Twitter users (myself included). The tweet, from user Lucy Huber, pointed out that if you want to order a cake from Costco, you must write down your order and place it into a box — you can't call or order online.

Some people were quick to call the "mysterious cake box" old school or outdated, with Huber herself saying it felt like a system created in the 1800s. But what most surprised me wasn't the box itself — it was some other commenters' impassioned responses to Huber's tweet.

On Twitter users assured her the cake would be there, with one saying they trust Costco's paper-in-box method "more than the USPS."

This level of fervor from Costco fans persuaded me. With my cousin's bridal shower coming up, it was time to try the mysterious cake box for myself.

As with all great grocery-store trips, my endeavor began in the bakery.

The Costco bakery, where the cake-ordering box lives.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

At the very back of the Costco warehouse is its bakery. As I walked up, I noticed a large cooler filled with pre-made cakes, which looked like a great option if you didn't want a customized cake or preferred to decorate it yourself.

At this Costco in Montana, round cakes cost $15.99, and half-sheet cakes cost $24.99.

A representative for Costco declined to comment on its cake-ordering methods.

At this Costco in Montana, round cakes cost $15.99, and half-sheet cakes cost $24.99.

A representative for Costco declined to comment on its cake-ordering methods.

I spotted the enigmatic cake box straight away, and rushed to see its majesty.

The Costco cake box in all its glory.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Perhaps due to all the cake-box lore, I'd conjured up an idea of some decrepit wooden box, but this cake-ordering box was more comprehensive than I'd imagined.

It had a poster of cakes to choose from, with essentially every occasion accounted for. Cakes could be made circular or rectangular, chocolate or vanilla, and topped with frosting designs like flowers, rainbows, graduation caps, or balloons.

Knowing what I wanted, I grabbed a form and got to work.

Perhaps due to all the cake-box lore, I'd conjured up an idea of some decrepit wooden box, but this cake-ordering box was more comprehensive than I'd imagined.

Knowing what I wanted, I grabbed a form and got to work.

I tried to make my order just a little bit difficult, to push the limits of the cake box.

Insider's reporter submitting her cake request.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

For the most part, my request was simple. I requested a round, 10-inch vanilla cake topped with frosting roses, one of the designs advertised on the box.

As the cake was for my cousin's bridal shower, I also requested that they write her and her fiancé's names on the cake. To up the ante, I asked them to write their names in a light sage green frosting — a challenge I thought would be the test of the box's power.

I dropped my form into the slot and hoped it would be ready two days later.

For the most part, my request was simple. I requested a round, 10-inch vanilla cake topped with frosting roses, one of the designs advertised on the box.

I dropped my form into the slot and hoped it would be ready two days later.

Later that week, I returned to see if my cake was there.

The cake came, as requested, two days after Insider's reporter ordered it.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I wasn't sure where my cake would be when I went to pick it up. Thinking it might be in the large cooler where other pre-made cakes were, I felt nervous when I didn't immediately see the cake I had ordered.

I found an employee who told me the bakery staff would bring out my cake. He asked for my name, then hurried behind the counter to retrieve my order. Moments later, he returned, carrying a 10-inch vanilla cake with sage green writing — just as I had ordered.

The people of Twitter were correct: the mysterious cake box is a quick and reliable way to obtain a cake.

The cake, classic and tasty, was well received at my cousin's bridal shower.

The cake was a hit at a family member's bridal shower last month.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

With its cute design and lettering, the cake was a hit among guests — some of whom were longtime Costco cake aficionados. Its taste didn't disappoint, either: the vanilla frosting and cream-cheese-mousse filling were instant crowd-pleasers.

All told, the cake was simple to order and taught me to have faith in the Costco bakery. And for less than $20, it's safe to say I've found my go-to event cake.

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