How to use Can I vibe code this prompts to ship an MVP

Key takeaways

• A prompt is a spec starter, not a substitute for scope control.
• Follow Easy → Medium targets, copy starter then follow-up prompts, then harden in Cursor.
• Add payments only after the core loop works without money.
• Rename and differentiate before you show anyone outside a demo.

Table of contents

1. The shipping loop
2. Scope rules that keep demos honest
3. When to add Stripe
4. Definition of done
5. FAQ

The shipping loop

1. Open Can I vibe code this? and pick Easy or Medium.
2. Copy the starter prompt into Lovable, Bolt.new, or Floot.
3. Click the happy path. Write down what broke.
4. Paste the follow-up prompt only after the happy path works.
5. Move to Cursor or Replit for auth, deploy, and bugfix.
6. Stop cloning. Change the name, niche, and one sharp feature.

This matches how practitioners actually use vibe coding: accelerate scaffolding, then earn the last mile.

Scope rules that keep demos honest

Rule	Example
One persona	Freelancer booking page, not "Calendly for enterprises"
One happy path	Create board → move card, not Butler automations
No fake multiplayer	Single-player Notion-like wiki first
Original branding	SoftShelf, not Gumroad skin
Written "out of scope" list	Paste it into the prompt as constraints

If a feature is listed under "What stays hard" on the target page, it does not belong in weekend v1.

When to add Stripe

Add Stripe after:

• Users can complete the core action without paying
• You can explain refunds in one sentence
• You have a test-mode checklist

Use the existing Stripe how-to if you need builder-specific notes: Add Stripe to an AI-built app. Good commerce targets: Gumroad, Stan Store.

Definition of done

Your vibe-coded MVP is "shipped" for learning purposes when:

1. A stranger can finish the happy path without you narrating
2. Auth does not lose their data on refresh
3. Mobile does not break the primary screen
4. You can say what is intentionally missing

Then either list it on Vibe projects or kill it and start the next target.