JoulesThief said:
You call them up, and tell them what you are willing to pay for one, after talking with their internet sales manager. Leave them with an email address to send you a written offer to.
I'd offer 23- 24 k for one before taxes license and title fees, then take your 2500 state and 7500 federal tax credit off of that.
^^^^^^^^ This. It's important that the price is good, but not ludicrous. Don't ask for something they'll never give, like $15,000. You want to offer something you have a chance at getting.
I have found a LOT of dealerships don't take email or Internet contacts seriously unless it is obvious you're actually ready to buy. From what I understand, nearly all messages they get from email and "contact us" web forms ends up leading nowhere. It's just people trolling, possibly months away from buying a car, and not even sure if they want a VW.
So, when you contact them, do everything you can to indicate you're serious. Tell them you want a 2015 eGolf you know they have them on the lot, what you want to pay, how you would do pay (cash, finance, lease) and at that price you would do the day the same or next day (obviously sub in your actual timeline, but the faster you can move the better chance you have. You'll be taken more seriously if you call. Check the website, many Bay Area dealerships have 3-4 people with the title "Internet Sales Manager". If so, pick one and ask for that person by name. It's the beginning of the month so they may not be as motivated, make it clear you want the car, but don't need it and if they won't give you the price you want now, tell them to call in a week or two if they change their mind.
If you don't want to call, you can make email and web forms work. When I have bought cars, I do the initial contact using the same message via email or web form, and do this with as many dealers as I am willing to drive to. I'm looking for the one or two stores that really want to move a car in a day or two.