I have never had luck with getting services done. I think it depends on what sort of car you have, if I took my 16v to a dealership they'd scratch their heads for 2 days and then charge me for it. Even if I wanted a minor job done I think they'd charge like wounded bulls.
The dealership I get most of my parts from charge 100 dollars to look at your car, then you get that back on service if you need anything done.
The independant VW service places can be good as long as they know about your car specifically.
Like I said I think it's more based on what car you have specifically.