ebay_create_listing

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose all behavioral traits. It states it creates a listing and requires complete details and an OAuth token, but does not mention side effects such as whether it automatically publishes, whether it checks for duplicates, or what the response contains. This is insufficient for a mutation tool.

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 three sentences, each contributing essential information: purpose, API used, and authentication requirement. No extraneous content; it is front-loaded and concise.

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 complexity of listing creation (nested object, many fields) and no output schema, the description does not explain return values or provide guidance on how the tool integrates with other workflow steps (e.g., after creation, what happens next). It lacks completeness for an AI agent to use effectively.

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 high coverage (100%) with the 'item' parameter description listing required fields. The description adds 'Requires complete item details' which reinforces the need for fullness but does not add new meaning beyond the schema. Baseline is 3.

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 'Create a new fixed-price listing.' It uses a specific verb and resource, and the qualifier 'fixed-price' distinguishes it from other listing types. Among siblings like ebay_revise_listing (update) and ebay_end_listing (delete), this tool's purpose is unambiguous.

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 using the Trading API and requiring OAuth token, providing some context. However, it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like ebay_bulk_create_offer or ebay_publish_offer. No when-not-to-use guidance is provided.

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