I am so surprised at the respondents experiences. It is so far removed from the relationship I have with the company that maintain my aircraft. I own a full IFR single that is in constant use and my maintenance company (of very many years) are honest, helpful and absolutely trustworthy and do what they promise. They also trust me which is an essential part of the equation. I pay when collecting an aircraft from any maintenance work and never have I faced anything they did not clear with me first. They will also highlight anything that will need attention in the near future but is quite within limits at this time. In other words no nasty surprises unless something unforseen breaks.