>>94373692If it were me I'd sell a small piece of merchandise like a commemorative birthday coffee mug, or well, a keychain if nothing else. But I wouldn't sell a full set of plushie, dakimakura cover, desk mat, etc. costing $150; that'd look excessive, like you want to milk your audience that is patiently waiting for Hina.
I wonder how Hololive does it. For example, Gura is famous for disappearing and only showing up during birthdays, but I'm more talking about the JPs. I'm not sure but I think some of them have gone on long hiatuses, so I wonder if they sell their birthday merchandise with no issue. I have the impression that JP management does business no matter if the talent is on hiatus or not.
And yeah, the planning takes a very long time. For example, I'm sure they'll start working on Summer and Halloween art and merchandise as soon as Valentine's Day is over. They have to plan this with months in advance.
