When I was on the Fire Dept, there was a guy who Detailed on the side. WOW! Like you said..

I THOUGHT detailing was just waxing and some extra TLC. But like you said.......This guy, even 20 years ago, charged $300-$500. I tell ya....Cars rolling out of the factory were not as clean as when he finished. He did my Buds rather large pick up truck and spent a solid 5-6 hours on it. Even the ENGINE was spotless!