Final answer:
To ensure simple billing, customers can automate payments, use paperless billing, opt for flat-rate services, and track expenses with finance tools. These actions streamline the billing process and make it more manageable. A historical example illustrates how creative measures by consumers influenced a company's policies, although modern strategies tend to be more conventional.
Step-by-step explanation:
Customers who prefer simple bills can take several actions to ensure their billing process is straightforward. They can automate their payment methods to avoid the hassle of monthly bill-paying, opt for paperless billing to reduce physical mail clutter, and choose a flat-rate billing service when available to have a predictable monthly charge.
In addition to these strategies, it can be helpful to use a personal finance tool or app to keep track of expenses and upcoming bill payments. In terms of managing credit, customers can maintain a high credit score and favorable borrowing terms by always paying all your bills on time and making sure not to overutilize their available credit lines.
The historical example of the civil rights protest involving Southwestern Bell demonstrates a unique way customers expressed their demand for simple bills, albeit with the ultimate goal of achieving fair employment practices. This unconventional method of paying phone bills in pennies forced the company to reconsider its hiring policies. Today, customers might opt for more conventional methods like opting for a straightforward cell phone contract with a clear understanding of what is included and what could result in additional charges.