The quality is not what I was hoping for.
'Speravo' — spe-RA-vo. Stress the second syllable.
A tactful phrase for returns where the item is technically not defective but disappoints expectations. It does not accuse the shop of wrongdoing but clearly expresses dissatisfaction.
'Speravo' is the imperfect of 'sperare' (to hope). 'Quella che speravo' means 'what I was hoping for' — a relative clause with 'quella' as the antecedent. This is a B1-level construction. The imperfect expresses an ongoing past expectation.
Non è all'altezza delle mie aspettative.
It does not meet my expectations.
More formal, business-like.
Pensavo fosse di qualità superiore.
I thought it was of higher quality.
Uses subjunctive — more advanced.
Per il prezzo mi aspettavo di più.
For the price, I expected more.
Links quality to value.
Quality expectations in Italian retail are high — especially in fashion, food, and design. Italians take pride in craftsmanship ('artigianalità') and are knowledgeable shoppers. Shops that dismiss quality concerns risk reputation damage.