Pictures That Make You Wanna Bid

Prosper Borrowers are competing with each other for Lender’s hard earned money. Some stand out on their own because they have good credit and show up on saved searches or receive bids automatically from Portfolio Plans. However, those with less than stellar credit need a way to attract you to their listing and hopefully bid.

Some Borrowers use the title to get you to click on their listing. Occasionally that works, but there’s not really much a borrower can say in a brief title to invite you. (A recent listing “Help Me Save My Friend's Life” comes to mind)

The more savvy and/or desperate Prosper Borrower has a terrific tool to get your eyes on their listing – the listing picture.

On any search of listings, Lenders see Borrower listings with a small thumbnail of the listing photo. Naturally, the more interesting photos catch your eye and lure you in for closer inspection; pretty girls, cute babies, funny faces, the list is endless. If you did click on the listing, then you’ve been suckered in by the photo.

Because Prosper Borrowers are now only allowed to post one picture in the listing, photo selection becomes a data point for Lenders, in a way. Why did the borrower post that photo? Is that really the Borrower? Was the picture only put there to get you to look at their listing? Personally, I think that the more outrageous the listing photo, the more desperate the borrower is.


As a result, I’ve put together the Fundamental (and very unscientific) Laws of Borrower Photos for the Prosper Lender:


LAW 1: The absence of parent or pet owner in the borrower image is directly related to the underlying risk.

Nothing bugs me more than borrowers showing pictures of their kids, but not pictures of themselves. I guess some people think it’s ok to pimp out their kids to get a loan. When I see a picture of children only, I think, “My kids mean everything to me, and I’ll do anything for them” (including defaulting on this Prosper loan).



LAW 2: The attractiveness of the borrower image is directly proportional to the underlying risk.

Face it. Sex sells, and the fairer sex more so. And can you be sure that pretty girl in the listing is even the real Borrower? In this photo , no. She’s Ravin Riley, a porn star. Listing Cancelled.










LAW 3: The amount of clothing in the borrower image is inversely proportional to the underlying risk.

There is only one reason for a Prosper Borrower to post a picture of themselves in a skimpy bikini or sexy speedo. In this case, not so sexy…











LAW 4: The value of the Borrower’s car compared to your own is directly proportional to the underlying risk.

I can’t believe the money some people spend on their vehicles. I certainly could afford a nicer car, but am currently driving a 9 year old car with over 112,233 miles on it. That’s why I can lend on Prosper, and apparently, this is why many Borrowers need to borrow on Prosper. (I should also mention I average roughly 31mpg :-) )



Of course these are very unscientific laws. I should also mention there are more than just these four.


Follow the link to see more Pictures That Make You Wanna Bid.