domains_get_quote

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden and does well: it states the quote is "locked" and "binds the approved total (totalPayableCents) and fee fingerprint," reveals that no purchase occurs, and explains the pricing structure (flat 10% on registrations, no subscription). It does not cover auth or side effects beyond purchase, but the key behavioral traits are disclosed.

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 four concise, front-loaded sentences. Each sentence earns its place: purpose, step context, binding behavior, human-in-the-loop instruction, and pricing. No filler or redundancy.

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?

Since there is no output schema, the description compensates by naming key return concepts (totalPayableCents, fee fingerprint) and giving the flow context. It is sufficient for an agent to call the tool and understand what to expect, though it doesn't detail error cases or full return structure.

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%, so the baseline of 3 applies. The description does not add extra meaning to the domain or period parameters beyond what the schema already states; it mentions totalPayableCents and fee fingerprint, but these are output fields, not parameter semantics.

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 opens with a specific verb and resource: "Get a locked price quote for registering a domain, without purchasing anything." It clearly distinguishes this from the subsequent purchase step by calling itself "Step 1 of the two-step purchase flow," which separates it from the sibling prepare/registration 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 gives clear context: it is step 1 of a two-step flow, and instructs the agent to "Show the quote to the human before doing anything else." This implicitly orders use before preparation/purchase, but it does not explicitly name alternatives or state when not to use the tool, so it stops short of a 5.

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