Plus, you're under no obligation to discount the price of the snakes just because you have to ship. Shipping isn't your first choice anyhow...so if someone insists on buying them and having them shipped, they should pay your asking price, plus shipping.
I'd go with the local deal as well. Always a bit of a risk that it will fall through, but it doesn't sound like you'll have trouble finding a new buyer in a timely manner if need be.