Payment info needed before price negotiation?

So, what you found is a dealership that uses an old tactic to judge your seriousness in buying the MH. This was a sales tactic once taught to car salesman, and please don't debate me here because I grew up with and still remain close to a 3rd generation, small-town GM dealer. The root logic is that if you are willing to hand over your credit card to them to hold, you are more likely to be a serious purchaser. Moreover, if they have your card in-hand, they can better control the circumstances under which you walk away. By chance did they resort to this when you objected to a soft pull of your credit? Regardless, it is a tactic used to minimize their wasted time, especially with high ticket items, and if you are a seasoned negotiator you already know it is your goal to have them invest as my time as possible if you want the best pricing.

Good luck in your MH search!