Short Run Printing: The New Standard for Small Editions

High-quality book production with today’s flexibility.

What is Short Run Printing?

At Pretore, we introduce Short Run Printing: the smart middle ground between Print on Demand (POD) and traditional bulk printing. While POD often focuses on single copies, Short Run is optimized for small to medium-sized editions (for example, 20 to 500 copies).

The result? A lower price per unit than single-copy production, but with the luxury finish and technical perfection normally only seen in large print runs. No unnecessary stock, yet the highest standard in the market.

Why choose Short Run at Pretore?

  • Cost-efficient – Benefit from more competitive rates per book compared to standard POD.
  • No inventory risk – Print exactly what you need for your next quarter, event, or course.
  • Trendsetting quality – Access to complex techniques such as lightweight paper and premium finishing, even in small quantities.
  • Speed & relevance – Update your content between runs, ensuring your books are always up to date.
  • Sustainability – Minimal waste from unsold stock and the use of FSC-certified paper.

Who is Short Run for?

  • Professional Publishers testing the market or keeping niche titles profitable.
  • Educational Institutions requiring up-to-date course packs or workbooks for specific groups.
  • Legal Organizations for printing collections of laws and statutes that are updated annually.
  • Businesses & Organizations demanding top-quality annual reports or manuals in limited editions.
Rollensnijder Pretore

Specifications & Unique Capabilities

  • Specialized in Short Run lightweight paper (unique in the market).
  • Wide choice of binding methods: from Smyth sewn hardcovers to flexible paperbacks.
  • Premium extras: foil stamping, embossing, ribbon markers, and headbands.
  • Optimized for editions of approx. 20 to 1,000 copies.
  • Fast delivery throughout Europe.

FAQ about Short Run Printing

Print on Demand (POD) is typically geared towards producing a single book per order. Short Run is designed for professionals who need a small inventory (e.g., 50 copies). This results in a lower cost per unit and offers a wider range of premium finishing options
Yes, this is Pretore’s specialty. While lightweight paper (thin print) used to be cost-effective only for runs of thousands, we have made it accessible for Short Run projects, such as textbooks and legal codes.
Because we manage the entire process in-house, our communication and production lines are short. Most Short Run projects are produced and shipped within a few business days.
Certainly. For Short Run projects, we believe it is essential that the final result meets your exact requirements. We can provide a physical proof before the full production run begins.
David van der Rhee

David van der Rhee

Accountmanager

Customer relations and first commercial contact

Would you like to know more about our working methods or technology?

Do you have questions about our production methods, the delivery of digital files or how we technically translate your publication into a high-quality end product? We are happy to help. You are very welcome to visit our production site in Dordrecht. There, we will show you how we use advanced printing technology and smart processes to create reliable and efficient books, from smaller print runs to larger series.

Would you prefer to get acquainted remotely first? Please contact us for technical specifications, delivery specifications or a specific quote. This will give you a clear understanding of our approach.

David van der Rhee

David van der Rhee

Accountmanager