ebay_get_fulfillment_policy

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

The annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, and the description's 'Get' wording is consistent with that. However, the description adds no further behavioral context such as what happens when the ID is invalid, whether the response is partial, or what fields are returned. This is acceptable for a simple read operation but adds no extra transparency beyond the annotation.

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 entire description is one short, front-loaded sentence with no filler or redundancy. Every word contributes meaning, and the key discriminating qualifier 'by ID' appears early.

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 one-parameter getter with a readOnlyHint annotation, the description is sufficient to guide invocation: the agent knows the action, the lookup key, and that it is a safe read. It does not describe the return value shape, but for an obvious 'get by ID' operation this is a minor gap rather than a critical omission.

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 description coverage is 100%: the schema already documents fulfillmentPolicyId as 'The fulfillment policy ID'. The description adds no additional semantic detail about the parameter, but none is needed given the schema fully describes it. This matches the baseline for high schema coverage.

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 uses a specific verb ('Get') and states the exact resource ('a specific fulfillment policy by ID'). The 'by ID' qualifier distinguishes it from sibling tools like ebay_get_fulfillment_policies and ebay_get_fulfillment_policy_by_name, so an agent can select the right operation confidently.

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 phrase 'by ID' clearly implies this tool should be used when the caller already has a fulfillmentPolicyId, rather than when listing policies or searching by name. It does not explicitly name alternatives or state exclusions, but the intended usage context is clear from the wording and the sibling tool names.

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