I called different places today and got explanation that there are "grades" with the coatings based on the material (whatever that is) and thickness. The cheapest one starts from $250, then goes up from there.
The coating business is actually quite popular here, but I've never get any car coated or seen it very closely, so I'm going to just try it...if it is a scam then I'll have my lawyer contact them despite a hole in my pocket
On calming thought, the body shop has good rep and has been doing business for 10 years, so at least I know that my boxster is safe on their hands...
I'll post some detailed pics later.