ebay_get_shipping_quote

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only states the basic purpose. It does not mention what happens if the shippingQuoteId is invalid, whether the operation is safe (read-only), or any side effects. The agent gains little insight beyond the tool's existence.

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 sentence of five words, which is very concise. It is frontloaded with the main action. However, it could benefit from a bit more context without losing conciseness, such as mentioning the output or prerequisites.

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?

There is no output schema, and the description does not explain what the tool returns. For a 'get' operation, knowing the return format (e.g., full quote details, just a status) is essential. The description is incomplete for an agent to fully understand the tool's capabilities.

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 coverage is 100% (the parameter has a description: 'The shipping quote ID'). The description adds 'by ID' which reinforces the parameter's role. However, it does not add new semantics beyond the schema. The baseline of 3 is appropriate given the schema already fully describes the parameter.

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 'Get a shipping quote by ID' clearly states the verb ('Get'), resource ('shipping quote'), and method ('by ID'). It distinguishes itself from its sibling tool 'ebay_create_shipping_quote' which creates quotes, making it easy for an AI agent to select the correct tool.

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 provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. There is no mention of prerequisites (e.g., the shipping quote must already exist) or when other tools like 'ebay_get_shipping_fulfillment' might be more appropriate. The agent is left to infer usage context.

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