Both set of approvers get notified that they have a purchase to approve.  However, if Stage 2 approver tries to click Take action, they get a bad link that they can not approve.  It is not until Stage 1 approves, that the Stage 2 can approve.  

It should operate like the following:

Stage 2 should not see the option to take action until Stage 1 has approved it.  It should be hidden from view or not show up until Stage 1 approves.

Or.

If stage 2 approves it, you are to assume that Stage 2 is higher up than Stage 1, and is allowed to proceed with the purchase with only Stage 2 approving. (completely bypassing Stage1)

Thank you,

Daniel