The article aims to explore how the notion of quality in interpreting can be explored in transition economies. Both the perspective of training and that of the user must converge to produce the kind of professional profile needed to guarantee the continued availability of quality interpreting services. The particular circumstances that prevail in transition economies are such that many highly professional interpreters in a variety of language combinations are needed. Users' expectations are often unrealistic; they fail to take into account difficult working conditions and how these impact on performance quality. Interpreters and interpreter associations need to study users' expectations and provide feedback both to working colleagues and to training institutions. Only such a two-pronged approach will guarantee a high level of professional quality in the years to come, while at the same time confirming interpreter's status as highly skilled professionals.