Web's Only Same-Day Champagne Service 18004Champagne.com Fills Queen's Birthday Glass, Congratulates Oscar Nominees and Celebrates Achievers

10 October 2005

Los Angeles entrepreneur Michael Calla has created an easy way for anyone to express "thanks", say "congratulations", or convey "best wishes" on a special occasion. His Internet-based champagne service, 18004Champagne.com promises to place a celebratory bottle of bubbly and a gift card bearing the sender's personal message in the hands of a recipient almost anywhere in North America the same day the order is placed.

"Sending long-stem roses to a male business associate for closing a big account or a basket of daisies to your dad on his 50th birthday might not be appropriate," says Calla. "But a bottle of champagne works quite well in these and other situations when you need to send a man or business contact something special."

Calla came out of retirement seven years ago to start his champagne gift business when he noticed that his own daughter, living on the opposite coast and busy with career, was having problems finding and sending next-day gifts to him for his birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

"My wife and I received flower bouquets about three times a year for ten years," says Calla. "For same-day and next-day gifts by phone, the choices were flowers, flowers, or flowers. When I realized there were no alternatives to flowers, I began searching for another item that could be "wired" overnight, one that could be sent to both women and men."

Calla, who estimates his service will deliver nearly 5,000 bottles of California and French champagnes this year, says orders from businesses currently account for nearly 70 percent of his sales volume. "Many companies send champagne to top salesmen, important clients, and new employees just signing on. They see it as a cost effective sales and PR tool," says Calla.

Calla says he's continually fascinated by the wide variety of businesses that call him to place orders. "I recently processed an order from a merchant marine fleet owner who wanted a bottle of Dom Perignon delivered to each of the thirty sea captains that piloted his ships," says Calla. "Law firms, real estate companies, and financial institutions also frequently send champagne to clients and associates."

Calla says politicians, movie and TV celebrities, football, basketball, and baseball superstars also dial his 800 number. "The champagne really flows freely during Oscar time,' says Calla. "And if you can't make it to the premier of your friend's latest movie, sending a bottle of good champagne and a cleverly written apology seems to be acceptable Hollywood etiquette.

Calla says one of the most memorable orders he's processed was for England's Queen Mother on her 100th birthday. "We were asked to deliver a basket of Godiva truffles along with the Queen's favorite drink; a 14 dollar bottle of Dubonnet," says Calla.

Although fast becoming a convenient number to dial for corporate executive secretaries and assistants to the rich and famous, Calla stresses a good part of his day is spent chatting on the phone with "regular folks" who want advice on which champagne might be appropriate for a newly married couple, a 50th birthday, or just as a simple 'thank you' gift.

"We tell people that they don't need to spend 350 dollars on a bottle of vintage Cristal," says Calla. "At one-fifth the price, a beautifully wrapped, hand delivered bottle of California champagne accompanied by a personal message is more than enough to create a warm, lasting impression.

Calla says the most requested champagne brand is Dom Perignon, followed by Veuve Clicquot, Moet Chandon, Perrier Jouet, Piper Heidseick, and Cristal.

To ensure prompt and reliable deliveries, 18004Champagne.com utilizes a network of thousands of retail stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, and can service customers in the UK and Europe by special arrangement.

Prices for champagne and wine orders start at 68 dollars per bottle, including gift wrapping, gift card, and guaranteed on-time delivery. Orders can be placed through the company's Web site 18004Champagne.com, or by dialing 1-800-4-CHAMPAGNE.