Why is it that a blower motor has such a huge variance in pricing?

TYC #700110
$47

Delphi (original OEM part) #BM10009
$56

ACDelco #15-80511
$160

Four Seaon #75749
$249

Pontiac Dealership
$269

Product specs and pics look identical. I dont understand, and I like to understand because I need to buy one.

All in marketing. And it exist throughout the realm of GXP parts. Actually any car. You can expect to pay alot more for a blower at a Cadillac Dealership for a DTS then you would for the same blower at a Chevy Dealership even though it now is listed for an Impala. Some aftermarket companies have integrity and going to charge you a normal reasonable markup, Places like 4 Seasons know the Pontiac Dealer price and going to gouge you accordingly and try to make you feel like your getting a discount anyway.

I like to look my parts up at rockauto.com under the GXP header, then copy the part number into search and it will come back all compatible parts and numbers. Also gives you a good idea of what same parts are used on different cars if you want to pull it yourself at a wrecking yard.

A 500% markup in price still floors me though.

You're right, at least with the GXP, I've got options. I'm just glad I didn't jump the gun and go buy the part locally.