What can you expect from a 5 star hotel?

Answer 1

You could say you have exceeded their expectations when your product/service is better, i.e., cheaper, more robust, more useful or better looking, etc. than their expectation.

In the realm of service as opposed to product, you can exceed client expectations of timeliness in answering phones quickly, finding answers to questions without delay, correcting problems in time, or fulfilling requests in expected timeframes. Other areas of service for exceeding expectations are courtesy; fair problem resolution; follow up; completeness; friendliness; communication skills; knowledge of subject; referrals to other appropriate people when needed; etc.

You are more likely to exceed expectations and have it realized by the client when you appropriately set their expectations up front by explaining what you reasonably can do, and then trying to improve upon that to their delight. And it is also a good idea to ask if their needs are satisfied before you close the contact, job order, or purchase order. In that case you will know when the expectations are exceeded by their feedback.