diff --git a/docs/QUICKSTART.md b/docs/QUICKSTART.md
index 282075d..1527ab0 100644
--- a/docs/QUICKSTART.md
+++ b/docs/QUICKSTART.md
@@ -12,6 +12,11 @@ Get Rutster running and hear your own voice echoed back in under 5 minutes.
 > [`docs/superpowers/specs/2026-07-05-slice-5-rented-transport-design.md`](superpowers/specs/2026-07-05-slice-5-rented-transport-design.md)
 > for the active build target's design.
 
+> **Fastest path:** if you want a *running deployment* — TLS, a domain, a phone
+> number — skip the source build and use the Docker quickstart:
+> [`docs/deploy/quickstart-docker.md`](deploy/quickstart-docker.md). This page
+> is the from-source developer path.
+
 ---
 
 ## Prerequisites