I have to say that my job offer here was a verbal one for months (during which I turned a good job offer) before it become concrete. I did not sign a contract until a few days after I'd moved to Switzerland. I still remember my expression when the HR lady asked me to read it over before I signed it - thinking what the hell am I going to do if I say no.

That said, I'd interacted with the people that offered me the job for a couple of years and they were essentially creating a dream job for me so it was worth the wait (and I had a back-up possible job).

I agree it's not good practice in general, but sometimes you know even if it's just a verbal agreement.