ebay_get_battery_qualifications

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only states the purpose, omitting details such as read-only nature, required permissions, side effects, or return format. For a tool with no annotations, this is insufficient disclosure.

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?

The description is a single, short sentence, which is concise. However, it is too minimalistic; it could include more details without becoming overly verbose. It earns a 4 for being efficient but not excessive.

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?

Given the tool's low complexity (single parameter, no output schema), the description provides the basic purpose. However, it lacks context on valid battery_type values, whether an item ID is needed, or what the response contains. This is adequate but incomplete.

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?

The input schema has one parameter ('params') with a description in the schema itself ('Query parameters (e.g., battery_type)'). The tool description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema, and since schema coverage is 100%, the baseline score of 3 is appropriate.

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 clearly states the tool's purpose: retrieving battery qualifications for international shipping. It uses a specific verb ('Get') and resource ('battery qualifications'), effectively distinguishing it from many sibling tools that deal with shipping but not specifically battery qualifications.

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 'for international shipping' as a context but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like ebay_get_hazardous_materials_labels or ebay_get_product_safety_labels. No when-not-to-use or prerequisite information is given.

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