That aging auto body or custom shop down the street has been on the market longer than expected.
You hesitate, assuming a national chain like Caliber Collision or Gerber Collision & Glass will eventually outbid you.
In early 2026, that assumption is less certain.
High interest rates and higher operating costs have slowed down large companies buying single auto body shops. Many are prioritizing internal fixes, density builds, and selective greenfield locations instead of chasing every independent shop.
That creates a temporary opening for owner-operators. But it comes with trade-offs.
Why This Makes Sense Now
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Valuations have normalized.
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Less buyer pressure.
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The exit wave is real.
What Can Break the Deal
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Debt is expensive.
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Deferred investment transfers to you
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Cultural friction is real.
What This Means for You
This is not a fire sale. It is an opportunity window. Secure the right deal before rates soften and large consolidators return to aggressive buying.
If you are seeing owners around you preparing to sell or expand, now is the time to sharpen your evaluation framework. How do you judge whether a shop is worth buying? What numbers matter most? What is the first signal that tells you to walk away?
