Is this why they call then stealerships?
 

Took the car into the dealership to have the maintenance required message turned off. $35 to do it because"we have to attach a very expensive, very special tool to your car to do it" It took about a minute.

Do you work for free? Why should the techs, who only get paid while they're on the clock. Yes, it's annoying, but it's life.

What I didn't say is that I was having other paid work done.

I'd be annoyed too then

Keep in mind that the VAG scan tool and software that every Audi dealer is required to have in their service department is expensive to have and maintained up to date. Plus, they have to pay their techs. So, a dealer usually has to charge or the service in order to not take a loss. Given you were having other work performed (and paying for), then your dealer should have probably thrown that in as a freeby (for good will). Better yet, buy the Ross Tech VAG-COM and do it yourself forever - tt will pay for itself in short order.

Anyone got a used one that they would like to part with for a reasonable price?

Myrobb

If you go into a restaurant and order steak you can't get mad when they bring you steak and you tought you should get steak and shrimp. I myself own my own construction company. The market is very competitive and we have to keep the numbers right. I give my customers the best product out there and I am on call 24 hours a day for their needs. That is what sets me apart from the rest. I can't work for free. Btw I am sure you got a free swirl wash. So there ya go. Lol

Go to Ross-Tech website and order one (VAG-COM). It's not exactly what the stealerships use but it will do everything and more.

This deters hundreds of customers asking for the same for free.

The OP doesn't specify what other work was done when the car was at the dealer. If it was to have the dealer do a scheduled type maintenance, resetting the service reminder should have been done at no additional charge as part of the work. If not, and scheduled maintenance was previously done by the OP or another shop, I can see why the dealer would charge to reset it.