Hi Mels Bee! A snake feels very "muscular" I suppose would be the best word. Most species are very smooth, but that does vary a bit. Here in the states, not many species require permits. There are various regulations on different species in different areas. But Australia has a very extensive licensing system, territory to territory, with every animal requiring documentation.
New Zealand is one of the few islands with no native snakes Ram, and they appear to want to keep it that way. I would assume it is intended as an ecological defense. I think it sad from my perspective, but New Zealand is a unique Island, and they feel a need to protect it apparently. Australia is the same way with non-native reptiles. If they find someone with a corn snake, the person is reprimanded and the snake is euthanized.
I used to breed boas, but have recently converted to mostly Indo-Australian pythons. Depending on what you breed, and how much you want to sell the animals for, it is normally not too hard to move them. With evaluating the buyers, it is the same as with anything else. You communicate with them. Try to find out their experience. And their willingness to learn. Their is a pretty tight knit community of reptiles keepers here in the states. So there are allot of people I may know or at least know of, and can know they have the knowledge and the experience. You always have to be prepared to keep the animals for an extended period, and that should always be taken into account. I don't do it for a living, so it is not as if I need to sell the animal to pay bills. I really don't think most people should try to breed reptiles for the money, it is tricky. If you wouldn't have the animals in your care if you weren't selling offspring, if you wouldn't enjoy them anyways, you shouldn't have them. That is just my opinion