Even for those who remember when it was a novelty, online shopping has become the new norm. Long gone are the days when people were wary of buying from websites – retailers have worked hard to make the process secure, and record sales are proving that customers appreciate the effort. But since online shopping is now the status quo, buyers are looking to get a little more value when they hit the Web to make purchases.

One of the biggest sticking points for many savvy shoppers is the return policy. It can often mean the difference between buying from one website or moving on to another where the offers are better. Before you click “add to cart,” consider the following items to make sure you get the best return policy.

* How long you have to return an item. Thirty days has become a standard turnaround time for returns, but be sure you check – some retailers offer you less time, but others offer you more. For instance, according to SmartMoney.com, Buy.com recently extended its grace period for returns from 30 to 45 days. Many of us have hectic schedules that make it difficult to get to the post office to send back a return, so if a little extra leeway would be helpful, look for sites with more generous policies.

* Restocking fees. Some retailers will lure customers in with free shipping or returns, only to surprise them after the fact by charging a restocking fee. This happens a lot with electronics items like MP3 players and laptops, but it can happen with items like shoes or clothing as well. Be sure to read the return policy of any retailer you purchase from, as some, like Buy.com do not charge restocking fees.

* Refund, credit or exchange. Some retailers will offer a refund of your money when you make a return, depending on the reasons for the return and the condition of the returned items. Other online shopping outlets will only offer exchanges for the same item you originally purchased, or for store credit, no matter what the reason for your return. If you’re only shopping for one specific item and don’t have an interest in anything else on the website, make sure that you will be able to return what you purchase for a full refund.

* Marketplaces. Some larger sites allow other vendors to use their site as a marketplace. While it’s often a great way to get competitive prices, it’s important to be aware that the same return policy doesn’t apply across all sellers in such marketplaces. There could be differences in the number of days you have to return an item, or different requirements for returning an opened product.

Take note of special shipping and return offers, particularly during sales, as they can be different from the retailer’s regular policy and may have some surprises hidden in the fine print. By carefully reading return policies, you’ll be ensuring that the good deal you’re getting now will still be good if you have to return your purchase.