1️⃣ Tech Stack Recommendation
A modern, scalable, and cost-effective stack for building enterprise-grade CRM software.
Next.js 14 with App Router for production-ready fullstack development, excellent TypeScript support, and built-in optimizations.
PostgreSQL + Prisma for robust relational data, type-safe queries, and seamless migrations.
Clerk for passwordless auth, social login, and managed user sessions without DIY complexity.
Resend for reliable transactional email with excellent deliverability and React email templates.
shadcn/ui + Tailwind CSS for beautiful, accessible components with complete customization.
Vercel + Supabase for serverless frontend deployment and managed PostgreSQL backend.
2️⃣ Copy-Paste Prompt for Cursor/Claude
Paste this prompt directly into Cursor AI or Claude to get started building immediately.
How to Use This Prompt:
- Open Cursor.sh or ChatGPT/Claude
- Click the button above to copy the prompt
- Paste it into the chat window
- Add: "Start by scaffolding the Next.js 14 project with the tech stack above. Create the Prisma schema first."
- Follow its instructions step-by-step
3️⃣ Week-by-Week Build Plan
A structured 6-week roadmap to ship a fully functional CRM.
- Scaffold Next.js 14 project with TypeScript
- Set up PostgreSQL database and Prisma ORM
- Configure Clerk authentication
- Create base layout with Navbar, Sidebar
- Build initial Prisma schema (Contact, Company, Deal, Activity)
- Write database migration scripts
- Deploy to Vercel (staging)
- Deliverable: Logged-in user can access dashboard
- Create Contact CRUD API endpoints (POST, GET, PUT, DELETE)
- Build Contact list page with pagination & search
- Create contact detail page with activity feed
- Implement Company CRUD endpoints
- Build company list and profile pages
- Add form validation with Zod
- Create modals for quick add/edit
- Deliverable: Full contact & company management (CRUD)
- Build Deal data API endpoints
- Implement Kanban board view using React Beautiful DnD
- Create drag-drop stage updates (API endpoint: PATCH /api/deals/[id]/stage)
- Build deal detail modal with full information
- Add deal creation flow
- Create pipeline filters (company, owner, date range)
- Display deal value and win probability
- Deliverable: Functional Kanban board with drag-drop
- Integrate Resend API for email sending
- Build email compose modal with template support
- Create ActivityLog data model and API
- Implement webhook for email open/click tracking
- Build email history view on contact page
- Create activity feed component (calls, emails, notes, meetings)
- Add bulk email capability
- Deliverable: Send & track emails, full activity log
- Create Meeting data model
- Build calendar component (month/week view)
- Implement meeting creation with attendee selection
- Add email invitation via Resend
- Create meeting detail page
- Implement upcoming meetings widget on dashboard
- Add integration to activity logs
- Deliverable: Fully functional meeting scheduler
- Build comprehensive analytics dashboard
- Create sales metrics cards (total deals, revenue, win rate)
- Add Recharts visualizations (pipeline funnel, revenue by stage, activity trends)
- Implement date range filters for all charts
- Polish UI/UX across all pages
- Add dark mode support
- Performance optimization and bug fixes
- Final QA and deploy to production
- Deliverable: Production-ready CRM 🚀
4️⃣ Open Source Starting Points
These projects can inspire architecture decisions or provide boilerplate code.
Twenty CRM
A modern, open-source CRM with a focus on developer experience. Built with React and PostgreSQL.
GitHub: twentyhq/twenty
Erxes
Enterprise-level CRM and business platform with extensive features and strong community support.
GitHub: erxes/erxes
SalesBlink
Lightweight sales CRM alternative. Good reference for essential features and clean architecture.
GitHub: Various sales CRM projects
Explore on GitHub →Next.js Boilerplate
Production-ready Next.js starter with auth, database, and API setup. Great foundation.
GitHub: nextjs-boilerplate
shadcn/ui Templates
Admin templates built with shadcn/ui and Tailwind. Perfect for dashboard inspiration.
Browse ready-made components and templates
Visit shadcn/ui →Prisma Examples
Official Prisma examples with database patterns, relationships, and best practices.
GitHub: prisma/examples
5️⃣ Cost Breakdown
Your all-in monthly cost vs. enterprise CRM alternatives.
| Service | Purpose | Cost/Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vercel | Next.js Frontend Hosting | $20 | Pro plan with fast builds & analytics |
| Supabase | PostgreSQL Database | $25 | Pro plan, ~1M rows, daily backups |
| Clerk | Authentication | $25 | Pro plan, unlimited users |
| Resend | Email Service | $20 | Pay-as-you-go, ~50k emails/month included |
| TOTAL MONTHLY COST | ~$90 | 10x cheaper than HubSpot! | |
🎯 Key Features At-a-Glance
Everything you're building in this kit:
Full CRUD, search, filters, bulk actions
Profiles, linked contacts & deals
Kanban board with drag-drop stages
Send, track opens, clicks & delivery
Calendar, invites, attendee tracking
Sales metrics, revenue forecasts, trends
Call logs, notes, email history
Role-based access, user isolation
Ready to Build?
You have everything you need: the tech stack, the prompt, the roadmap, and the budget-friendly architecture. Start today with Cursor AI or Claude.
Pro Tip: Start with Week 1. Deploy early. Iterate fast. Your CRM will be production-ready in 6 weeks.