Typically I buy commissions if the artist has an appealing art style to me, seem to need the money, or if I've had my eye on them for a while. Sometimes even if the artist seems like they'd be perfect for an idea I'd had bubbling around in my head. I typically buy only a couple a month and go for artists with low prices (below $25).

I however do take into account the personal beliefs of artist and commissioner. If they've been very suspicious or I find out that they've drawn or done something weird I'll kindly ask for a refund before the sketching process has begun and refuse to do business with them if I've already sent over the money (I will NEVER charge back.)

As for platforms I use FA and Twitter! Facebook and Insta I haven't used but I've heard that they are good places to look for people as well.

This makes sense! I tried using Pixiv for art once because I was learning Japanese and it's based in Japan, but I found it to be strangely difficult to find fandom artists I liked who didn't have a history of drawing art that I found off-putting, heh. Idk if it's a pixiv/cultural thing or just my bad luck.
Twitter is not a platform I enjoy, Instagram is alright, but I never even considered setting up a Facebook for art! I think I'll look into it. Do you happen to know if DeviantArt is still a good place to buy and sell commissions? I enjoy the platform, but I haven't used it in six years and I heard it's not as popular anymore

When it comes to picking, I usually just go for someone whos style appeals to me. I have limited myself to buying only a few a month. Varies on how much I have spent. I don't really consider much factors when purchasing. But if I do find out they are problematic then I will just not buy anything from them.

As for platforms, I just use FA and recently started using twitter ♡

Do you think it takes any particular niche for you to find a style appealing? I feel like if that was my only criteria I'd never be able to decide who to commission because there's so many cool artists on here ><
Thanks a lot for the feedback btw!

Hmm, I don't think so. But I do tend to lean towards brightly colored art styles more so then dark. But that still wouldn't stop me from commissioning someone who uses a dark colored artstyle. ^^
I agree! So many amazing artists, I wish I could support them all ;w; ♡
And no problem, I'm happy to help and what not nwn

I take the asking price, art quality, the artist's personality (based off of comments/journals/captions), and the way they go by their commissions mostly!

For me personally I try to stay under $100 for commissions, and I personally like to actively seek out artists who are in dire need of quick money for real life issues they're having. Making someone smile, or helping them out, fuels me and it makes me happy to help out. Small artists with not a whole lot of traction are my favorites, as well as how flexible they are with their art