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

Beyond the annotations, it discloses that a real order charges the payment method on file, the front+back $5 per-line-item fee, that sandbox=true only validates, that confirm=true is required for real orders and must follow user confirmation, that duplicate order ids are rejected, and that a Write API key is needed.

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?

It is front-loaded with 'WRITE' and the charge consequence, then proceeds through sandbox/confirm, id uniqueness, prerequisites, and endpoint. Every sentence carries actionable information; nothing is filler.

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 complex 15-parameter destructive purchase tool with no output schema, the description covers the critical invocation and safety details very well. It could go slightly further by stating what a successful response contains or how payment/stock failures surface, but an agent has enough to call it correctly.

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?

With only 53% schema description coverage, the description compensates by explaining order_id uniqueness, sandbox vs. real semantics, confirm gating, and how items are composed, while the schema's own nested item descriptions cover the rest. It also directs the agent to the correct sibling tools for SKU and shipping-method values.

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?

The description states a specific verb and resource ('place an order') and adds consequence ('to print and ship'), plus the HTTP endpoint. It is clearly distinguishable from siblings like customcat_cancel_order and customcat_get_order_status.

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?

It explicitly names prerequisites (check stock with customcat_get_catalog_sku, method with customcat_list_shipping_methods, confirm details with the user), explains when to use sandbox vs. real orders, and states the confirm=true gate. This is an unusually complete routing and timing guide.

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