Originally Posted by Dylan@Adams

While this is true, the initial investment may be as much or a little more than having a talented professional take care of it for you, the amount of chemicals and the supplies you get with a kit will be more than enough to maintain your car for years - so to that end its actually a more financially reasonable proposition.

Comes down into whether you think detailing is fun or a hobby for you. If you're not into it, then I'd definitely say find a pro to do the work for you.

As far as OTC versus enthusiast or pro level products, generally there isn't much of a comparison. The stuff sold OTC anymore seems to be getting progressively watered down (the effect of bean counters in charge at the big name brand companies) there are a few gems out there on store shelves, but as a whole the enthusiast market gives you much better level products for your money.