Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It implies a read operation but says nothing about authentication requirements despite the bearerToken parameter, nor about pagination, result limits, or what happens when search matches nothing.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two short sentences, front-loaded with the core action. 'Optional search term' is slightly redundant given the schema's optionality but overall there is no wasted text.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple list tool with one required param and no output schema, the definition is minimally adequate, but it leaves out auth behavior and any indication of return shape or pagination that an agent would need to call it confidently.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 67%: merchantPubkey and bearerToken are already documented in the schema, while 'search' has no schema description but the description clarifies it is an optional search term. This adds modest value but does not compensate for the remaining gaps.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific verb and resource ('List products') scoped to a merchant, which is enough to distinguish it from siblings like list_payment_links and list_merchant_metadata that list other resources.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description mentions an optional search term but gives no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, no prerequisites (e.g., auth via bearerToken), and no exclusions. Usage is only implied by the verb.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.