Although I have a car, mobility is a serious issue for me and so is amplification, if I still want to have a voice in a few years. Here's my thoughts--

1. Assume they have no suitable sound the first time you go to a place, and charge accordingly. Check out their system and if it's a good one, maybe give a discount for next time but maybe not, if they didn't quibble over the fee to start with. Maybe a volume discount for mutiple bookings, after the first visit where you explain how you work and check out their facility. But I always assume I will need my own stuff. Frankly, it's just easier to drag my stuff than to work with them to see what they have, on the phone.

2. Amp Can. Build up the biz and buy a car and then splurge on bigger sound.

3. Lightweight luggage cart. I have a GREAT black-powder finish one, $14 from WalMart, light and sturdy and with wings that fold out to hold wide things, bungee cords included. On stairs I carry the amp, which is on it, by the handle, and the cart comes too (I do not take it apart) All other gear is over the shoulder to leave hands free. I am considering getting a BIG carry-all with built in cart-style wheels, like a giant carry-on bag only these are trunk size, to cut down the number of things to maneuver, and it would be big enough to put the amp inside actually and add everything else I take except autoharp.

4. I always prefer to use my own sound stuff, just because then I know it's all there and how to hook everything up. If the Amp Can is not enough, there are lighter weight and heavier weight PA's. But I do not care to waste my time figuring outt their sound system. If I were gigging in clubs that would be different-- I might assume the owner or bartender would have a clue about the house sound system. But for people for whom music is an exciting, novel thing to add to their event or program-- I figure they know less than I about their sound system, and will be no help at all.

5. When in doubt, accept the booking, and punt. It's better than an unpaid date and good for checking out a possible bread and butter money-maker.

6. A partner with a car. *G*

Good luck!

~Susan