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chrischall

freshbooks-mcp

by chrischall

freshbooks_list_items

Read-only

List FreshBooks items with pagination and raw filter support to retrieve product or service items from your account.

Instructions

List items for the authenticated FreshBooks account. Supports pagination and raw FreshBooks filter params. Returns items plus page/pages/total.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pageNo1-based page number
searchNoRaw FreshBooks filter params passed through verbatim, e.g. {"search[customerid]": 123} or {"include[]": "lines"}. Field names are not validated.
per_pageNoResults per page (max 100)

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv0.7.0
    • changedInput schema / $schema
      Previous value: -"http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"New value: +"https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12/schema"
  2. Changed2 schema fields changedv0.3.1
    • removedInput schema / properties / search / additionalProperties / anyOf
      Removed value: -[
      -  {
      -    "type": "string"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "type": "number"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "type": "boolean"
      -  }
      -]
    • addedInput schema / properties / search / additionalProperties / type
      Added value: +[
      +  "string",
      +  "number",
      +  "boolean"
      +]
  3. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

A3.7/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, so the read-only safety is covered. The description adds behavioral value by noting pagination support, raw pass-through of FreshBooks filter params, and the returned pagination fields (page/pages/total), which goes beyond the annotation alone.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is compact, front-loaded with the core purpose, and each sentence contributes either capability or return information. It is slightly less tight than ideal, but it avoids waste and remains easy to scan.

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

Completeness4/5

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

For a read-only list tool with well-documented parameters and no output schema, the description covers the essential behavior, filtering, pagination, and return summary. It could be more complete by stating default pagination values or clarifying the item shape, but the current information is sufficient for an agent to invoke it correctly.

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

Parameters3/5

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

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the input schema already fully documents page, search, and per_page. The description briefly mentions pagination and raw filter params but does not add meaningful parameter-level meaning beyond what the schema provides, hence the baseline score of 3.

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

Purpose5/5

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

The description uses a specific verb and resource: 'List items for the authenticated FreshBooks account.' This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools such as freshbooks_list_services and freshbooks_get_item, since 'items' is a distinct resource and the action is a collection listing rather than a single-item retrieval.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description provides no guidance about when to use this tool versus alternatives like freshbooks_list_services or freshbooks_get_item. It states only what the tool does, not when it is preferred or when a sibling should be used instead.

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